| Nehemiah 7:73-9:21; I Corinthians 9:1-18; Psalm 33:12-22; Proverbs 21:11-12
“…Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly of men, women, and all who could listen with understanding…he read out of it from daybreak until noon…All the people listened attentively to the book of the law…As he opened it, all the people stood up. Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and with their hands uplifted all the people said, ‘Amen, Amen!’ Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground…the Levites, explained the law to the people as they stood in their places. They read the book of the law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read. Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, ‘This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.’ For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, ‘Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because your strength comes from rejoicing in the Lord.’ And the Levites quieted all the people, saying, ‘Be still, since today is holy. Do not grieve.'” (Nehemiah 8:2,3,5,7-11)
The people had been displaced and without the law for quite awhile. Some not even realizing they had lived under the wrath of God because of their lack of knowledge. Now they’ve rebuilt the wall and installed the gates, they’ve laid the groundwork for their restoration. Ezra breaks out the book of the law and begins reading it to the assembly. This is like an old school conference with Ezra being the first preacher to speak.
When the Word is brought out everyone stands in deference. Ezra blesses the Lord, and all of the assembly throws their hands up with shouts of “Amens” or “so be it” in agreement for the blessing that Ezra has spoken to the Lord. In honor and worship they bow to their great God much like we do in our modern services. Some people have a problem with demonstrative praise even though it is spoken of throughout the Word of God. All I can say is that we don’t have to lift our hands, dance or bow low. We are welcome to worship the Lord as we see fit but we are not to pass judgment on those who do. We have no idea where God has brought some people from, the freedom they have now and their passion to unreservedly express their devotion to their Savior.
By the same token, they shouldn’t pass judgment on those who aren’t very demonstrative. God brings people along at their own pace, He alone is God, not us. After Ezra, we see a variety of Levites step forward to read, translate and give the meaning of the law of God. Through the diversity of teachers, the people actually begin to understand their God. They begin to weep as the Word uncovers the reality of their hearts.
It’s so important we attend church and church related conferences. It’s in these places and with the speakers that God is able to speak a word into our hearts that we may have not gotten alone. Of course God can speak to you by yourself, and He will, however, all ministers have a different flavor that is borne from their time spent with God. We want to take advantage of the revelation they have been given through their own experiences. And just as Ezra and the Levites told the people not to be sad because of the revelation they received but rather get happy, the Lord would have us to do the same. The joy of the Lord is our strength.
When He reveals something to us, it’s not to beat us up but to help us grow. Don’t let the conviction from the Word bring you down, use it to edify yourself, to help you become a better person. God is always in positive mode, never in tear down mode. If you find yourself condemned you are either listening to your own mental reasoning or the enemy of your soul. So go grab a sweet drink, eat something excellent, share with others and party on the new word that God has given you because today is holy to our God. “Then all the people began to eat and drink, send portions, and have a great celebration, because they had understood the words that were explained to them.” (8:12)
PRAYER:
Father, as I receive knowledge from You, help me not to condemn myself or others. I pray to use the wisdom (or the spanking) I receive to help myself and others grow in our relationship to You. Help me to relate to You as the perfect parent that has my best interest at heart, not as a hypercritical, condescending one that seeks to tear me down. You alone are God and I worship You, hands high and everything. Thank You for all of the freedom I am finding in You. You are a continuous treasure that I find myself unwrapping. Blessings to You this day my Lord, Amen. |
