Nehemiah- Rebuilding and RenewalSample

What began as a building project now becomes full-fledged renewal. The people gather, and have Ezra the scribe read the Word of God aloud to them. This is a moment birthed by the Spirit of God in the people of God and what takes centre stage? The Word of God.

‘From daybreak till noon’ on the first day of the seventh month Ezra reads. This is known as RoshHashanah - the ‘head of the year’ in Israel today. Also coinciding with the Feast of Trumpets (see Leviticus 23:24), it’s almost as if the trumpets are being sounded, announcing the times and seasons of the Lord.

It’s no coincidence that the wall is completed during Elul- a month of preparation, consecration and intimacy with God- and now, at the commencement of the Jewish high Holy Days, the hearts of the people are returning en masse to the word and ways of God. This is astonishing. Do you see how God uses His appointed times to accomplish His work on the earth today? At the time of writing this devotional, news of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and the spiritual renewal it is bringing sounds a trumpet call around the world. What has been previously written off as right against left, red against blue, is increasingly being seen as a clarion call toward truth. The Word of God is being opened and received by those who previously were uninterested.

“They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read” (V8). We are in a season of young men and women discovering for the first time the wonder of the Word of God. Bible sales are up. Former atheists are seeking spiritual truth. People are going to church for the first time. This cultural moment will require all hands on deck- helping people who are discovering God by ‘making it clear… so that they understand.’

It’s time to re-present the wonderful truth of the simple gospel to those who are searching- that God loves them.

The people respond with worship (v6), repentance and weeping (v9), and celebration (v12) because “they now understood the words that had been made known to them” (v12).

Reflect:

What do the words ‘The joy of the LORD is your strength’ mean to you? (V10)

Reflect on the hope you have for those who need to hear the Word of God for themselves.Who is it that comes to mind? Will you contend for them to also know the salvation you enjoy? Begin to pray for them regularly that they may experience the joy of the LORD in their own lives.

‘And their joy was very great’ (V17). Imagine a church filled with people re-discovering God’s love and presence. This is God’s heart. Begin to thank Him, and allow your expectation to rise for the great things He wants to do.