MONDAY July 3, 2017
Stand in Exaltation
Then Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, andChenani stood on the stairs of the Levites and cried out with a loud voice to the Lord their God. And the Levites, Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said: “Stand up and bless the Lord your God forever and ever! Blessed be Your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise!” - Nehemiah 9:4-5
Nehemiah 9 is a long chapter that magnifies God’s greatness, faithfulness and grace. It is all about God. He is the main subject. The chapter covers who God is, what He does for His people, and what His people must do for Him. Remember, as Ezra read from the Book of the Law, the people stood for six hours and listened. They placed a great significance in the worship of God and the reading of God’s Word.
The people had a true hunger for God’s Word. As they began to understand the Scriptures, joy filled their hearts. As the Word convicted the people, in humility before the Lord, they confessed their sins. In obedience, they had separated themselves to their God. Now they stood to their feet in worship. They exalted God’s greatness. God’s Word had an incredible effect on their lives. It is amazing to see how they reacted.
Today, many people’s relationship with God is very shallow––there is no depth. People will say they know God, but there is no true evidence that God’s Word has taken any effect. Who is this God we serve? Men like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob knew God. But what about us? I believe there has to be a recognition of God’s attributes. If we do not understand the character and attributes of God, then how can we become like Him?
When you hear the teaching of the Word, what kind of response do you have? Your reaction should be the same as God’s people in the book of Nehemiah. Otherwise, God’s Word is not having an effect in your life.
“Everything about God is great, vast, and incomparable. He never forgets, never fails, never falters, never forfeits His word.”
~Arthur W. Pink~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!