Weekly Memory Verse:
Jesus replied, "My Father is always working, and so am I." John 5:17 (NLT)
Meditation Thought:
What Scripture passage most recently did a God-work in me? What change did it make?
Today's Reading - Nehemiah 8:1-12 (HCSB) Choose another translation
When the seventh month came and the Israelites had settled in their towns, all the people gathered together at the square in front of the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses that the LORD had given Israel. On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly of men, women, and all who could listen with understanding. While he was facing the square in front of the Water Gate, he read out of it from daybreak until noon before the men, the women, and those who could understand. All the people listened attentively to the book of the law. Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform made for this purpose. Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah stood beside him on his right; to his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hash-baddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam. Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people, since he was elevated above everyone. 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. Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah, who were 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." 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.
(Today's reading came from the Holman Christian Standard Bible)
3 comments:
The men who are named here all leave a legacy. They are named in the written word of God.
Wouldn't it be great to have our names spoken by God and recorded as those who were present on a day so important that it was to be remembered forever?
I could not really pick one scripture only that changed me. I chose 1Peter 2:9 “But ye are a elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:” It reminds me who I am in Christ. John 17:1-26 because it reminds me of what Jesus wanted for me. If it was important enough for him to pray about it just before he went to the cross then it should be important to me. Revelation 12:11 ”And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death.” Reminds me of the Blood shed for me, that testimonies are important, and that this life is no longer mine but his. How Awesome is God!
This makes me think of times when the scriptures were read in Latin and none but the priest could understand until a few brave souls set out to print a common translation. How blessed were the people and are the people who can understand God's Living Word!!
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