Nehemiah 8-10.25.22
Scripture
Nehemiah 8:9
Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
Observation
When we encounter God’s word, we should be changed.
Understanding
In Nehemiah chapter 8, the people were gathered to hear the Book of the Law read and explained. Verse 3 says, “He (Ezra) read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.” And then in verse 9, “For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.”
The people sacrificed time (daybreak till noon) to hear the word of God. They wanted to hear from God. They listened attentively. They wept over their sin. And the word of God changed their hearts.
Sorrow over our sin is a necessary part of God working on our hearts. But after the sorrow, comes joy. Verse 10 says, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
“Our knowledge of our sin should never be bigger than our knowledge of Jesus as our Savior. We are great sinners, but He is a greater Savior. Therefore, the joy of the Lord is your strength – even when you are being convicted of sin. When we are convicted of sin we know that God is doing a work in us, so we can be glad and take joy.” (Enduring Word Bible Commentary)
Life Application
Lord, thank you for challenging me to allow my heart to be changed through encounters with your word. Thank you for correcting me – that I should not read the Word so I can check something off my to-do list, skimming quickly through and moving on. I need to open the Bible each day and search for a word from You, asking you to speak to me and change my heart. I am a great sinner but You are a greater Savior! The joy of the Lord is my strength!
-Debbie Dunn