By Randy Harmon
Pastor, Rock Springs Baptist Church, Greenbrier
Focal Passage: Nehemiah 8:1-8
The Psalmist says in Psalm 119:11, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” The writer of Hebrews says of the Word of God, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
There has been discussion among our Southern Baptist family about revival lately. One of the important elements of genuine spiritual revival involves a return to God’s Word and a response to its divine truth. Not just talk, opinion, or even passion for God’s Word, but the labor intensive spiritual discipline of knowing, reading, studying, memorizing, and applying God’s Word.
In John 6, Jesus witnessed many turn from following Him because of the difficulty of His message. He asks the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” Peter responds, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:67-69) God’s Word is certainly valued as important by those who know Him.
In this lesson, the value of God’s Word is exemplified in Nehemiah’s ministry as well as in the Life of God’s people Israel (Nehemiah 8). God has led the people through Nehemiah to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem despite struggle and resistance from enemies. The task took 52 days. In celebration of the completion of the wall, there was a dedication service during which Ezra, the scribe read from the book of the Law of Moses. This reading of God’s Word was a stark reminder of who (and whose) these people were, and the God who had empowered them for this work.
God’s Word presented (vv. 1-3a). As the people gathered in a public place, Ezra was asked to read God’s Word. There on a platform prepared for this very purpose, Ezra read for half a day. A friend of mine recently said, “If you want to hear God’s voice audibly, read the Bible aloud.”
God’s Word received (v. 3b). Though Ezra read for half a day, the people were attentive. There are many resources in our world today that make listening to the Bible more accessible than ever before. Even if your mind tends to wander while you listen, with some practice you can learn to retain the Word of God as it is read to you.
God’s Word supported (v. 4). Thirteen men stood beside Ezra as he read (six on the right and seven on the left). They may have been representatives of the tribes of Israel. They may have been laymen, or other men of influence in the community. We are not sure of their title, but apparently they were men of influence who express their support of the Word being read by being present, and maybe even helping with this lengthy reading.
God’s Word embraced (vv. 5-6). As Ezra opened the book and read, the people stood up (in honor and response to the Word). They worshiped the Lord together as they felt the impact of God’s Word and responded to it.
God’s Word explained (vv. 7-8). The 13 people listed here were Levites. They were responsible for the interpretation of the law. The language seems to indicate that they were translators who could, “break-down” or exegete the text so the hearers could understand.
The ministry of God’s Word in this eighth chapter of Nehemiah sounds a lot like the ministry of the Word that takes place on a regular basis in our churches as we preach, teach, and seek to live out the Word of God!
— Harmon is pastor of Rock Springs Baptist Church, Greenbrier.
