Do you love the word of the Lord?

Today's Reading: Nehemiah 8

What is your favorite book? The one you will read over and over again? I love books and read A LOT. Sometimes when I've run out of new things to read, I'll go to the bookshelf and pull down a favorite and re-read it just because it is such a good book. And even though I've read it before, I'm always drawn back into the story just like the first time I read the book.

That's what happens to the Jews in Nehemiah 8. They have been in captivity and have been unable to read or hear God's word. And so Ezra has a platform built. It is located near the Water Gate, rather than near the Temple. And the repeated wording about "all the people" in chapter 8 indicates that Ezra is bringing the Word of God to the lay people. Not just to the learned men or the religious men. But to all the people. It is clear that Ezra had a desire to put God's word into the hands of everyone.

The people's response was very interesting too. They listened attentively, all morning long, while they were standing up, and they responded with great reverence and expectation. Finally in verse 9, they began to weep.

And right here I am convicted with these questions swirling around my head,

Who do I know that needs to hear God's word?
Am I sharing God's word in community with others?
Do I start out each day with God's word? And do I listen intently and reverently?
Does God's word stir up emotion in me?

What about you? Do you react to God's word with this same emotion? Do you love the word of the Lord?

More importantly, is it the book you will go back to read over and over again?

- Holly Barrett