Nehemiah 8:1-12

“They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.” (Nehemiah 8:8, NLT)

During the fall festival in October, the people gathered in the square before the Water Gate. They came to hear the reading of the Law of God. This was probably the entire book of Deuteronomy. Ezra the priest stood on a high wooden platform. This would have made it easier to see and hear him, but it also symbolized the Word of God having authority over the people. Standing with Ezra were 13 elders. When Ezra opened the book, the people all stood to their feet. Then he read the Scripture from morning until noon to the men, women and children who were old enough to understand. (Talk about a long service!) All the people listened attentively. As Ezra read from the Book of the Law, the Levites were among the people explaining the meaning of what was being read, and helping the people to understand.

This is the beginning of expository teaching. It is simply letting the Scripture speak for itself and helping people to understand and apply what God says in His Word. The result was that the Holy Spirit brought genuine conviction of sin, as the people realized that they had failed to keep God’s covenant. The people began weeping to the point that Nehemiah, Ezra, and the priests had to tell them to stop mourning and start rejoicing. This was a sacred day to the LORD and a time of celebration. Not only had God enabled them to rebuild their walls and remove their reproach from among their neighbors, but now He was also rebuilding the spiritual lives of the people. The Spirit of God was moving upon them through the Word of God. This was a time of rejoicing!

Therefore, Nehemiah addressed the people:

“Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10, NLT)

Don’t you love that? Yes, there is a time for godly sorrow over our sins that brings repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10; James 4:9-10). But there are also times when our rejoicing in the Lord brings Him worship, glory and honor. And such rejoicing in the Lord strengthens us to serve God with all our hearts. The one who rejoices, rejoices to the Lord, and the one who eats, eats to the Lord. In all these things we celebrate His goodness, faithfulness and grace toward us all.

Let us spend time today reading the Scripture and asking the Holy Spirit to help us understand what we read. Then let’s give God thanks for who He is and for all He has given us. Regardless of our circumstances, let us rejoice in the Lord and receive His strength to overcome!