April 28 - Nehemiah 8-10
Today, we have God's description of one of the greatest revivals in history. Have you ever experienced a real revival? Has there ever been a time in your life, in the life of your family, or in the life of your church family when there was a radical spiritual awakening to the Lord and to His Word? I hope that you have experienced such a revival. It is one of the most wonderful things that can happen in our lives. Take time to read this passage and see what revival is like and to remember any of those times in your own life.
The revival began with the people calling for the leaders to read the Word of God to them, not with the leaders calling the people together. This shows a great hunger in the hearts of the people. It is amazing to read that the people stood listening to the reading of the Word for six hours at a time. The people responded with "Amens" and with weeping. The leaders recognized what God was doing, so they sent the people away to rejoice in what God was doing instead of crying in conviction continually. The reason for this is given. "The joy of the Lord is your strength." We are strong in the Lord, when we rejoice in His goodness and move forward in praise.
The people could not get enough of God's Word. They joyfully made booths and kept the Feast of the Tabernacles for eight days. The leaders kept explaining the Word six hours a day. There were songs recounting the history of Israel and God's goodness. Finally, there was a renewal of the covenant with the Lord. The people did not say they would try harder. They said they would be set apart as God's people to keep His laws and to seek His blessings. There would be no intermarriage. They would keep the Sabbath and the year of the Sabbath each seven years. They would gladly give their offerings and tithes to support God's work and God's house. What a miracle to see God's people return to Him in such a powerful way after all of their rebellion! This shows us that revival is always possible, but we must have hearts hungry for God. We must give ourselves to Him without reserve. We must drink freely of His Word with understanding and obedience. If we respond to His grace, He will bless us with revival.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Nehemiah 11-13.
The revival began with the people calling for the leaders to read the Word of God to them, not with the leaders calling the people together. This shows a great hunger in the hearts of the people. It is amazing to read that the people stood listening to the reading of the Word for six hours at a time. The people responded with "Amens" and with weeping. The leaders recognized what God was doing, so they sent the people away to rejoice in what God was doing instead of crying in conviction continually. The reason for this is given. "The joy of the Lord is your strength." We are strong in the Lord, when we rejoice in His goodness and move forward in praise.
The people could not get enough of God's Word. They joyfully made booths and kept the Feast of the Tabernacles for eight days. The leaders kept explaining the Word six hours a day. There were songs recounting the history of Israel and God's goodness. Finally, there was a renewal of the covenant with the Lord. The people did not say they would try harder. They said they would be set apart as God's people to keep His laws and to seek His blessings. There would be no intermarriage. They would keep the Sabbath and the year of the Sabbath each seven years. They would gladly give their offerings and tithes to support God's work and God's house. What a miracle to see God's people return to Him in such a powerful way after all of their rebellion! This shows us that revival is always possible, but we must have hearts hungry for God. We must give ourselves to Him without reserve. We must drink freely of His Word with understanding and obedience. If we respond to His grace, He will bless us with revival.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Nehemiah 11-13.