Day 28
And Ezra
opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the
people, and as he opened it all the people stood. And Ezra blessed the Lord,
the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their
hands. And they bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to
the ground.
Nehemiah
8:5-6
The
word of God must be central in the life of the believer. Without it, we will
lack insight, wisdom, direction, and meaning. If we attempt to live the Christian
life without the guidance of the Bible, we will be devoid of power and purpose.
It is in the word of God that we see His character, His heart, and His purposes
revealed. To ignore these things means that we will live life according to our
priorities, not His.
Nehemiah
has finished the construction of the wall. He has looked around and taken note
that many of the homes are not rebuilt and that most of the people have not
returned to Jerusalem. However, there are some living in the city. Nehemiah
decides that the people who are in front of him are the people that matter. He
will lead them to be the God-fearing people they should be.
Nehemiah
asks Ezra to bring the Law of Moses and read it to the people. As he does, we
see the people respond in two ways. First, we see them respond in praise and
celebration. They stand, lift their hands, and bless the Lord. Second, we see
them respond in humility and repentance. They quickly realize how far they have
allowed themselves to drift from the Lord. We then see them face down to the
ground in repentance.
As
you make the word of God central in your life, it will evoke all sorts of
emotions. You will experience feelings of celebration and feelings of brokenness.
All of this is of great benefit. All of it represents God’s word having its work
in your life. Read the word! Let it work. It is in this process that you will
experience God’s greatest blessings.
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