Bricklayers 7Sample

In today’s reading, we see another great assembly similar to chapter five when Nehemiah found it necessary to remind the people what God expected of them. This chapter reveals a desire of the people to hear from God and a fear and reverence for His majesty and holiness. Ezra, the priest, and scribe read from the Law of Moses, a most sacred passage for the people. They stood in reverence and listened intently from early morning until midday. They lifted their hands and answered, “Amen, Amen,” to say, “May it be so. We agree.” Not only did they hear the words read to them by Ezra, but there were also helpers who made their way through the crowd explaining the words to make sure the people understood what they were hearing. 

God desires for us to hear (read) and understand. The word “understand” is mentioned four (4) times in the first eight verses alone. Apparently, it’s important to God that we understand what He’s telling us. For without understanding there can be no heart change. There will be no correction or repentance. There will be no action that leads to reconciliation. 

When the people understood God’s words, they wept. They were moved. They felt something in their hearts that led them to worship God. But Ezra and his helpers encouraged the people to celebrate! This was a holy day to God and they were to eat and drink. They were to share with others and include them in the good news they had heard.

This same message is for us today. When we understand the Good News of the Gospel, we shouldn’t focus solely on the fact that sin separates us from God, but we should rejoice that through Jesus’ sacrifice we can be reconciled to Him FOREVER. That’s not only good news, but it’s also the BEST news! We should celebrate and share it daily so that others can understand and believe.