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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I join with the remnant and say, “Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you” (Neh 9:5–6 NIV). I bow before you and exalt your name. Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you shared with me a story of revival and reformation. It began with the preaching of your Word, it continued with confession and repentance, and it culminated in renewal and rededication. There are so many lessons to be learned here! First, the people got together and asked Ezra to read aloud from the Book of the Law of Moses. What an inspiring attitude! This teaches me the importance of a hunger for your Word. My heart should welcome your commands and embrace your teaching (cf. John 7:17). Second, Ezra and the Levites “gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading” (Neh 8:8). This teaches me the importance of sound exegesis, for interpretation leads to application. When I understand what you are saying, I can then apply your words to my life. Third, the people “wept as they heard the words of the Law” (Neh 8:9). This shows me that true faith demonstrates itself by genuine sorrow for sin. My heart should be grieved when I realize that my life is not in harmony with your will, and my grief should always lead me to repentance (2 Cor 7:10). Fourth, although Ezra and Nehemiah were glad to see the people’s godly sorrow, they urged them to put aside their grief and honor the Feast of Trumpets as you intended (cf. Lev 23:24–25). The people obeyed, which confirmed their faith and repentance. This teaches me that there is a time for rejoicing and a time for sorrow, and that holiness is best expressed by happiness in you. Fifth, the next day, the leaders of the people, together with the priests and Levites, came to Ezra in order to study the words of the Law. Their study was rewarded by the discovery of the Feast of Tabernacles. This teaches me the importance of reading everything in Scripture. If I don’t regularly read the entirety of your Word, I’ll end up missing out on something you want me to know. Sixth, Ezra read the Law to the whole assembly each day during the Feast of Tabernacles. This teaches me that godliness is marked by an insatiable appetite to learn more of your Word. Bible reading must be a part of my daily life! Reflection After the Feast of Tabernacles was over, the people joined together for a prayer of confession and repentance. They followed this with a signed national covenant that bound them to love you and keep your commands. Have I done personally what they did corporately? Am I committed to you for life? Request Father, this story is so inspiring and challenging! Give me a tender heart and a hunger for your Word. May I always be sorry for sin and eager to study the Scriptures! Thanksgiving Thank you for the example of a revival that was started, not by some great evangelist, but by a group of people who were committed to learning your will and following your commands! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “It Is Well with My Soul” — Horatio G. Spafford. Meditation Verse: Nehemiah 8:10. |