“And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, ‘This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.’ For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, ‘Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’” (Nehemiah 8:9-10)
In our modern age, the Word of God has fallen into disfavor. When people want to make decisions they do not think about consulting God’s truth and wisdom. Instead many seek answers to life’s questions and solutions to everyday crises by consulting the internet, educators, academics, and scientists. Many even opt to consult fortune tellers and self-styled mediums. Rarely will people look to the Bible. Perhaps they don’t want to be convicted by its words. They want some one who will affirm them in their current lifestyle choices for they do not want to be told they are sinners. And so they they trust in lies and mistruth which lead to more problems.
The Jews in Nehemiah’s day had a different reaction to God’s Word. They were convicted by it. The Word called the people to serve, worship, and obey the Lord. Most of the people heard the Word of God spoken for the first time. They responded with weeping because of their sins and those of their ancestors. Nehemiah encouraged them to celebrate together as God’s people with joy. This was the appropriate way to worship the Lord and praise Him for the Word which He has graciously given.
As we note the importance of the Word of God and the reverence it is shown here, we should take this as a model for our own worship service. The word of God is the central focus of the service as it is His Word and, therefore, possesses and conveys His authority and holiness. We should show it as much honor and respect as we show God Himself. We should listen to it read and explained by God’s chosen leaders who have studied it and made it their life’s work. They can help us to understand it and apply it so that we may be living expressions of God’s word. Then we can convey the gospel of God’s love in Jesus to needy sinners seeking the answers to their crippling problems and suffering.