“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear… and forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14Every Sunday, before reading the Scriptures, my pastor reminds us that we are about to hear the very words of God: “This is the Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!” He is aware of the trap we can fall into of becoming uninterested in the Bible and indifferent to its message. The Word of the Lord commands and merits great reverence.
Nehemiah narrates a powerful scene of repentance and revival, and the stage is set with the reading of God’s Law. As Ezra, the priest opens the Holy Book, the people—the men and women and all who were able to understand— rise to their feet, showing respect for the Word. They lift their hands in agreement, exclaiming, “Amen!” and then fall on their faces before the Lord, humbly worshipping. The people’s hearts are so moved by what they hear that they begin to weep before God for their sin and guilt. But their mourning soon turns to jubilant celebration of God’s grace and mercy toward them, for the joy of the Lord is their strength!
May God’s Word fall upon our hearts also and cause revival!
Scripture Focus
Nehemiah 8:1-11
Insight
It is important that we regularly engage in corporate worship and sit under the teaching of God’s Word. Is this something that you value?
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 19-20
- Psalm 113
- 1 Corinthians 1-2
