TUESDAY June 13, 2017
The Value of God’s Word
…When the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their cities. Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel. - >Nehemiah 7:73; 8:1
In Nehemiah 7, you will find a list of names. These were the Jewish captives who returned to their cities in Jerusalem and Judah (Nehemiah 7:6). The last sentence of Nehemiah 7:73, goes with Nehemiah 8:1. The children of Israel came into the cities around the period of 444 B.C., at the time when they celebrated the Feast of Trumpets––Rosh Hashanah––the Jewish New Year. It began a ten day period of consecration and repentance before the Lord.
Nehemiah began to gather all the people together, in the open square, by the Water Gate. In this place Ezra was called upon to read the Book of the Law of Moses––Genesis though Deuteronomy. The people came in unity to be taught the Word of God.
There are some important principles that we need to understand from what was about to happen. When Ezra stood up to teach the Word of God, everyone stood and listened to the Word of God. Ezra read for six long hours––that amazes me! Why? It shows to us their dedication and reverence for God’s Word.
In comparison, most people only spend about six hours a week to study God’s Word in church. They usually attend Sunday morning and evening services, and then, Wednesday evening. As we come and sit down in the sanctuary, to hear God’s Word, do we listen reverently? God desires to speak to us so we can apply His Word to our own personal lives. Ask yourself these questions, “How important is God’s Word to me? Do I really value the Bible?”
It is a miracle how God has so long preserved His book! How great and glorious it is to have the Word of God!
~Martin Luther~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!
