Ezra and his team helped the people to see that the word of God was cause for great joy, not sorrow. Because of their faithfulness, the people were able to begin walking forward in God, with joy in their hearts and standing on God’s truth.
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Scripture
Nehemiah 8:5-8
“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 worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places. They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.”
Observation
What an amazing work God was doing! The walls had been rebuilt, the people were united, and now the whole community had called for God’s word to be read to the whole assembly. Ezra the priest read the word of God, but he also had a team of qualified people ready to help the assembly to understand what they were hearing. The words were so new to them, that they weren’t even sure how to respond. Ezra and his team helped the people to see that the word of God was cause for great joy, not sorrow. Because of their faithfulness, the people were able to begin walking forward in God, with joy in their hearts and standing on God’s truth.
Application
People need hope! Hurting hearts are looking for a savior and a healer, and our God is drawing people to himself. He has given me the privilege and responsibility of playing my part in proclaiming his truth to the world–but I must walk in wisdom so that God’s word would be clearly understood, and received with joy. His word is powerful, and has the ability to transform each one who hears it. This week I need to walk in boldness to proclaim the word of God, and in wisdom to make sure it is understood and received in the way that God desires. I need to invest in the team around me, so that we can all speak with a unified voice as we proclaim God’s word.
Prayer
God, thank you for the privilege of sharing your word and your truth with the world around me! Help me to steward that responsibility well, and to take time to make sure that people are receiving your word with clear understanding. Thank you for the team you have drawn together at New Hope Legacy–talented, passionate, gifted, and called people who love you and want to proclaim your truth to the world. Help us to walk in unity and speak with a unified voice, so that your transformation would be accomplished in those that you are drawing in.
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