READING: Nehemiah 8:1-9:37, Acts 13:42-14:7
The people told Ezra to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, as they wanted to hear the Word. Not only did Ezra read it, but he “read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand” (Neh 8:3). According to the Scriptures, all the people “were attentive to the Book of the Law” (Neh 8:3). Indeed, they “bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground” (Neh 8:6).
I read today’s Old Testament reading, and I’m reminded of the importance of simply opening the Word of God, prayerfully explaining it to others, and challenging people—beginning with me—to obey it. That Word both convicts us and gives us reason to rejoice. It breaks us and heals us. It reduces us and shows us our worth to God. It calls us to die and directs us to life.
It’s God’s Word.
How I wish we would long for it like the people in Nehemiah 8! May that passion begin in my heart today.
PRAYER: “Thank You, God, for Your Word. Increase my thirst for it.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Nehemiah 9:38-11:21, Acts 14:8-28