June 8, 2004
Read Nehemiah 7 - 8
In Today's Reading:
Nehemiah's appointment of leaders; genealogy of returned exiles; Scriptures read and explained; the Feast (Festival) of Tabernacles (Booths) observed
The ultimate purpose of God for His people was more than the restoration of His Temple and the walls of Jerusalem. These man-made structures were powerless to protect the Israelites from their enemies unless the people knew and obeyed the Word of God. The Hebrew language in which the Book of the Law (Nehemiah 8:3) was written was no longer the common language of the people. During their captivity, they spoke Aramaic, which was the international trade language used by the Aramaeans (Syrians), Persians, and Babylonians at that time.
After the wall was completed under Nehemiah's supervision, thousands of Jews assembled in Jerusalem day after day from sunrise until noon to hear Ezra and the Levites read and explain the Book of the Law. This resulted in a renewal of the Covenant relationship of the Israelites with God and the restoration of scriptural worship.
A revival took place, for all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law (8:9).
The most pressing need today is for Christians to become seriously concerned about reading all of God's Word because it is a discerner (judge, critic) of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12). God speaks to us through His Word and, as we read it, our various acts of disobedience, whether by ignorance, omission or commission, are brought to mind. This will lead to our conviction, confession, and cleansing. We will then become doers of the Word, and not hearers only (James 1:22).
Furthermore, the guilt which results from sins we have committed should no longer remain after we have confessed and repented. We dare not dig up past confessed and forgiven sins of our own or of others; instead, we should rejoice in the merciful, forgiving love of God through Christ our Savior. Remember, in our Lord's parable, the unforgiving servant was delivered to the tormentor. So likewise shall My Heavenly Father do also to you, if you from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses (Matthew 18:35).
Christ Revealed:
Through the names required to be registered for priestly service (Nehemiah 7:64). Christ, our Great High Priest (Hebrews 3:1), will soon return wearing His Name, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16).
Word Studies:
7:2 feared = revered; 7:3 by = on guard; watches = guards; 7:61 seed = genealogical descent; 7:65 Urim and Thummim = two objects kept in the high priest's breastplate and used to tell the Lord's will (Exodus 28:30); 8:14 booths = temporary shelters.
Pray For:
The International Shortwave Radio Broadcast in memory of Iva Ann McElroy · Staff: Rick Hash · Government Official: Rep. Kenneth Calvert (CA) · Country: Denmark (5 million) in northern Europe · Major languages: Danish and Faroese · Religious freedom · 92% Protestant; 1% Muslim; .5% Roman Catholic; .5% cults; .1% Jewish
Prayer Suggestion: Watch and pray that you may be worthy to stand before the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 21:36).
Prayer Suggestion: Watch and pray that you may be worthy to stand before the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 21:36).
Optional Reading: II Corinthians 10
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 1:16