photo by Heike Trautmann on Unsplash
The Old Testament book of Nehemiah is a story of the Jewish people. They were returning from exile but had not followed the law of Moses for some time.
The people were in crisis, but many did not know it.
On a certain day, the people gathered in the town, and Ezra, the priest, stood up to read the word of God. As he stood to read, the people stood to hear the reading of the word.
As Ezra read, the people grew concerned because they realized their sin of not following the law of God.
Nehemiah spoke to the people, saying,
“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those
who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve,
for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 The New International Version
He continued, “Go home and prepare a feast, holiday food and drink;
and share it with those who don’t have anything: This day is holy to God. Don’t feel bad.
The joy of God is your strength!”
Nehemiah 8:10 The Message
What happened?
The word of God convicted their heart.
- They did not make excuses.
- They did not get angry and lash out because they were exposed
- They did not riot and demand the outdated philosophies of the past be changed to reflect modern times.
The God of the Word spoke to them.
- He did not condemn them.
- He did not judge them, pouring wrath upon them
- He did not throw them out of his presence
INSTEAD
- He loved them
- He told them to feast
- He told them to bless
- He told them to be happy
- He told them his joy would strengthen them
The number five represents grace—God graced them, just as he graces everyone convicted when they hear his word.
Perhaps your crisis of ignorance is like that of the children of Israel. Maybe you have gone through the motions without walking out the principles of God’s word.
Could it be that you have walked away from the promises of God because of life’s circumstances?
If so, you are reading this at the right time.
- It is time to run to God and not away from him.
- It is time to stretch out your hand to God and not raise a fist of defiant anger.
- It is time to laugh in the face of crisis and find HIS strength empowering you to overcome.
A close personal relationship with the Godhead is needed now more than ever.
A close personal relationship with the Godhead is a journey. I invite you to follow along. I will pass it along as I learn so you, too, can learn. I hope that as you learn, you can pass it along so that I (and others) might learn.
You must be logged in to post a comment.