Christian Devotional – February 6, 2020

Day 37 – The Word. After they had completed the work, they spent time in the word. Read Nehemiah 8:1-12.

And all the people gathered as one man at the square which was in front of the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses which the Lord had given to Israel. Then Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly of men, women and all who could listen with understanding, on the first day of the seventh month. He read from it before the square which was in front of the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of men and women, those who could understand; and all the people were attentive to the book of the law. Ezra the scribe stood at a wooden podium which they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand; and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam on his left hand. Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the Lord the great God. And all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low 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, explained the law to the people while the people remained in their place. They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading. Then Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.” All the people went away to eat, to drink, to send portions and to celebrate a great festival, because they understood the words which had been made known to them.
Nehemiah 8:1‭-‬12 NASB
https://bible.com/bible/100/neh.8.1-12.NASB

After completing the wall and reviewing the records, the people along with Nehemiah, spend time in the word. They bring out the book of the law, their Bible, and they spend time reading together. They read it, study it, review it, and they are encouraged and strengthened as a result of it. Their focus is on God’s word. They are intent on knowing it and understanding it.

How focused are we on the word of God? Do we take our time to study intently what God’s word says and how it applies to our life? Do we get excited about spending time in God’s word? The people knew what it was to do the work of God, but they also understood the importance and the privilege of studying the words that God has given to us.

Do we understand that priviledge ourselves? Are we taking time to truly study and rejoice in the word of God?