Nehemiah 8
ScriptureNehemiah 8:12,1612 Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.16 So the people went out and brought back branches and built themselves temporary shelters on their own roofs, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God and in the square by the Water Gate and the one by the Gate of Ephraim.Observation - What does it say?The wall and gates around Jerusalem had finally been rebuilt, men were appointed in various roles of leadership, and the people were adjusting to their new life back in Jerusalem. When everyone had settled, they re-gathered in Jerusalem for the reading of the Book of the Law by Ezra the teacher. As he read, the people discovered in the seventh month of each year (which they were currently in) God required them to hold a feast of celebration to himself. As part of this celebration they were to build temporary shelters to live in for that month.The people were filled with joy as they heard Ezra teach because they now understood the words that had been made known to them. But, they didn’t stop content with new knowledge. They put it into practice by building temporary shelters and living in them. And the result was that they were filled with joy!Understanding - What does it mean?God intends for us to not merely be entertained by Bible teachers, but to put their teachings into practice!I have to admit I’ve played the fool. I have had many times where I’ve listened to a sermon and got excited about the new understanding I gained, but then didn’t do a thing with that new information. I failed to be intentional in putting it into practice. Lord, have mercy!James, the brother of Jesus, warns us in his letter:James 1:22-25 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
It’s those who don’t forget what they’ve heard, but do it that are blessed. The Israelites took the time to build temporary shelters and sacrificed the comforts of home by living in them. You would think they would be bummed about having to do that. But they weren’t. In fact, the opposite happened! Scripture says that they hadn’t had that great of a celebration since the days of Joshua and that “their joy was very great” (Neh. 8:17). This is the result of putting God’s word into practice in our lives!
Life ApplicationDon’t merely listen to the word, do what it says!
God, forgive me for the times I’ve listened and then walked away and forgot about it. Forgive us for coming to church to be entertained with no real intention of allowing you to transform us. May we be a people who don’t just listen but are passionate and intentional about obeying you. Thank you that you bless us and fill us with joy as we put your word into practice! Amen.
- Levi Thompson
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