A Nation Under God
Nehemiah 8
“A Nation Under God”
As most of you know, we’ve been studying through the book of Nehemiah. And we remember that God put it in Nehemiah’s heart to leave his elevated and privileged position to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls surrounding the great city. Nehemiah received the approval from King Artaxerxes and returned to the city where he rallied up the people. Along the way, he is met with opposition from outsiders such as Sanballat and Tobiah. And we saw that he also had internal opposition he had to deal with. His own people were enslaving one another and hindering the work. Having reprimanded the perpetrators and having reminded the people of the big picture, they set back to work on the wall. And in just 52 days the walls were completed! And Rick shared with us last week what it must have been like to see the families return to the great city of Jersualem – families that 141 years previously had been decimated, scattered, and taken into captivity. There must have been great rejoicing as people began to filter inside the walls. Our text this morning actually picks up at the end of chapter 7 of Nehemiah – verse 73.
If you were to split the book of Nehemiah in half, this would be the beginning of the second half. We turn from the reconstruction of the wall to the restoration of the people. We move from the focus on the political situation to the spiritual condition. We move from construction to instruction. The walls were built and now the people could re-establish themselves as a nation. And to do so, they needed a spiritual revival. They needed their spiritual leader. Ezra now emerges in this chapter of the book. And as we know, Ezra returned to the land several years earlier to rebuild the temple. He was a priest and scribe as we will learn in this chapter. He is the man who has given his life to the study of the Scriptures. And he is the one to whom the people turn to instruct them in God’s ways.
You will notice that in verse one of chapter 8 all the people gathered into the square by the Water Gate. Remember it has been but a week since the United Moving trucks have left and people have a lot to do in order to unpack, re-establish their businesses and schools. But before they proceed with any of that, they gather together to worship.
And as I pictured the scene of 50,000 people that had recently returned to the city who found the first and highest priority was to worship, I was overwhelmed. I envisioned a people whose highest priority is to meet together corporately, to study God’s Word, to repent, and respond in obedience. They did not stay at home to watch their favorite televangelist. They did not find a day at the park a better option. They did not want to sleep in. They wanted to worship as one before their God! That was their highest priority!
In fact, the text says that they told Ezra the scribe to bring his Bible with him! In essence, they were saying, “We’re not here just to sing some cool songs and chat with our good friends.” All that is good. But rather, “We want to hear from God!” The first thing we’re going to look at this morning is the Purpose of Scripture. Because the way that God communicates to his people is through his word. This is God’s communication to us. Do you believe that?? Do you really believe that that this book contains the very words of God?? Do you read it every day? Or does it collect dust on the table or bookshelf? This is God’s Word! And who is God? He is the one who made everything!! He made this world.
You know, the reason that I go hiking with Karl and Dave or mountain biking with him or Rod or Stuart is partly for exercise. But man, it’s a great opportunity to see the greatness of the God that we serve. As you look out from the Chief and see from mountain peak to mountain peak to mountain peak and realize that there is One who created everything you see and much, much more, you cannot help but declare “How great is our God!” Your whole perspective hinges on your view of God. How great is YOUR God this morning??
In the men’s study, we began by reading a book entitled, Gripped by the Greatness of God by James McDonald. We started there intentionally because sometimes we take ourselves too seriously and we need to see things from a different angle. We need to see ourselves in light of a great and holy God. And he is a God who has taken an interest in us, not because we are interesting, but because he created us and expresses his grace and mercy to us.
THIS is the God whose words are contained in this book. We are created by Him to live for him. And THIS (holding up Bible) is how we know how we are to live for his glory. And the people are craving His words! Did you come here craving his word this morning? The Israelites had but five books written at this time – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. This was the Law of Moses. And they hungered for it. WE have sixty-six books. We have more than they did and yet we often neglect it.
READ vv. 1-2. They gathered at the Water Gate because there was room so that all could attend to the reading of the Word. And it’s the first day of the seventh month. This is their first day on their civil calendar. They want to begin their re-emergence as a nation correctly. So Ezra brings the Law before the assembly – 50,000 people have gathered. Men, women, and children who could understand are all present.
We are quite intentional here that we give all age groups the opportunity to learn from the Bible. During a large portion of the year we also offer “The Journey”. The Journey consists of fellowship classes for all age groups. This is meant to be supplementary to the primary worship service which we are involved in now and not a replacement for it. Just like the Israelites placed a high priority on the corporate worship – the men, women and all who could understand - so we also highly encourage the gathering here of all who can understand. And I realize that a three year old cannot. And that is why we offer a Jr. Church service in this hour. And beginning this Fall, they will be experiencing much of what we participate in here. They will be learning what it means to gather to pray together, to worship through giving, to sing songs of worship. But as soon as they are able, we want them in here with us as part of the larger church.
“And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday.” This was a 5-6 hour sermon. Now don’t worry. I don’t think I could possibly speak for that long. But Ezra could and did. And the people listened. In fact the verse reads that the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. They came prepared to listen. They were not thinking of the ball game after the service or the cute girl sitting two rows in front of them or the bills they had to pay. They were intent on listening to the Scriptures.
The text goes on to describe the setting. It says that “…Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that they had made for the purpose…” Remember, he is standing amongst 50,000 people. He needed to be seen and heard. So they built a platform for him. “…and beside him stood …”
And verse 5 states that “Ezra opened the book”. He opened the word of God for the people. That is where his authority is – in the Word of God. And you may be surprised to find out that not every church “opens the book”. I remember not too long ago, a preacher in a church I was visiting got up on Sunday morning to share his week of devotional time and prayer. I’m not sure I even opened the Scriptures that morning of “worship”.
Again, I am going to remind you that we are committed to the preaching of God’s Word here. Now my sermons may not be the greatest. But we are at least trying to bring you in contact with God through the Scriptures. And if we ever stop using the Bible, you have my permission to leave – because the authority has left the building.
When was the last time that you opened the book?? If you don’t have one, that’s one thing. And we’d be happy to take care of that. But most of us have several copies and we spend more time reading fiction and entertainment, than we do in the manual for living for God’s glory. I don’t want to be overly pessimistic because I know many of you are dedicated in opening the Book. And you know what? It shows. It is evident when you are spending the time in the Scriptures.
“And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. 50,000 all stood when Ezra cracked it open. There is a reason that we ask you to stand in the opening reading on Sunday mornings. It is out of reverence for the inspired Word of God.
When I was attending Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, we had a guest speaker by the name of James McDonald – the author of the book I mentioned previously. And in the chapel area there was this podium that was elevated probably halfway up to the ceiling. Nobody ever used it. There was a pulpit more like this one on a slightly elevated platform that speakers would use. Not this day. Pastor McDonald emerges onto this elevated podium and introduces his message. Now this was my first encounter with the man and my first impression was, “Who does this guy think he is?” He then proceeded to inform the students that the reason that the churches of old would have elevated podia was not only for better visibility, but also out of a high reverence for the Word of God. It provided for me a powerful illustration of the authority and prominence of the Bible in the worship service.
Verse 5, “And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.” Got the picture? How many people? 50,000 people prostrate before the Lord. Powerful! Ezra prays, opens the book, the people respond verbally, by lifting their hands and worshipping on their knees!
READ vv. 7-8.
Ezra is joined by 13 Levites to assist him in teaching. I love this! Why? Because it’s small group ministry at its best! While the people remained in their places, these guys went around and explained Scripture so that the people could understand. It’s no good if you can’t understand it. The challenge for me and anybody else that stands up here is to be able to relate biblical truth to varying age levels and spiritual maturity levels. And that’s why it is crucial that this be your primary, but not only form of study. If there is something unclear from what you hear on Sunday morning, you should have a small group that you can turn to, to discuss biblical truth and the application of that truth.
Ezra, like a present-day preacher, has two great responsibilities. They are expressed by two words you may, or may not, have heard before. They are “exegesis” and “exposition”. The first word is in your bulletin. Exegesis means to lead out meaning. It is the task of properly understanding the Scriptures. Ezra was a guy who was diligent in his study of the Scriptures. He was a priest and a scribe. His life was spent immersed in the Law of Moses. And he was also responsible for the exposition of the exegesis. Exposition is the explanation and communication of the understanding of the text. Are you with me? So, to be faithful in the task of preaching God’s word, one needs to be diligent and faithful in understanding the text. And then needs to be able to communicate that truth to others. And THAT was what Ezra was called on to do!
The Purpose of Scripture is that it is to be opened, read, revered, explained so that people can behold the glorious God and know what it means to live lives that honor him. And that leads us to the Power of Scripture. When we as Christians are faithful in our responsibility to seek after God in his Word, it has an effect on us. Do you remember Isaiah 55:10-11? “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. How about Hebrews 4:12? For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
And this was having itx effect on the returned Israelites. We already saw that at the reading of the Book, the people were responding in “Amen, Amen”. They were lifting their hands to the great God. And they were bowing their heads and lying prostrate before their God. And you know what else? They were broken. Verse 9 reads that “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.”
They were listening to the Law of Moses. They were reminded of a God who created everything out of nothing, how he had created human beings to have fellowship with him in the Garden of Eden. They remembered that despite the wickedness of mankind, God graciously spared a remnant through Noah and his family so that once again people might seek after him. The people recounted as God called out a people to be his chosen nation and to be a light to the world – testifying to the great God that they served. He called them to be holy, but they were not. God lead his people into Egyptian captivity only to graciously again redeem them for his name’s sake. He was a God who continued to uphold his covenant promises to his people. And their present circumstance revealed his promise to restore his people. (Pause) And it revealed their stubborn rebellion. Had they sought after the Lord with their hearts in previous generations they would not have been decimated, destroyed, scattered, taken into captivity. They were remorseful for their sinful hearts.
Then Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites tell the people that this day is holy to the Lord their God; do not mourn or weep. I don’t think that they were saying that it was not right that they grieve over their sin. I think in essence they were saying, “Ok. That is enough. You have grieved over your sin. You do not need to dwell in it.” Rather, they should be joyful and encouraged and celebrate that they serve a loving and forgiving God – a God who is faithful to his people. Ezra tells them to go and eat some meat and celebrate with one another. I really like that part.
He tells them to give to those who are needy. And this all because the day is holy, or set apart, to God. Again he tells them to not be grieved for the joy of the Lord is their strength. The people experienced conviction because of the Word of the Lord. I believe we should be encouraged in the times that we experience conviction because it testifies to the work of the Spirit within us. I think that rather we should be concerned when we can continue living like the world and in rebellion to God and his word and not be convicted of it. There is joy in the Lord.
I am going to be transparent here and share a bit of how this manifests itself in me. In just a few moments, we are going to come and celebrate Communion. And I’ve never planned it like this, but I’ve noticed a pattern as I prepare for the elements and meditate on Christ. As the first element, the bread, is being distributed, I focus on the death of my Lord for my sins. I become introspective as I communicate with my God, confessing my sin, declaring my allegiance and commitment to him. And by the time we are distributing the cup commemorating the blood of Christ, I am often filled with joy inexpressible. I am so overwhelmed by the sense that I am forgiven and that I can stand before my God as righteous because of what Christ has done on my behalf. Sometimes, I can’t even hold back a smile. That’s joy!
But I also know that there are some here who don’t know that joy. There are those who don’t understand the dilemma – that someday they will bow their knee to Jesus Christ and they will still be in their sin and in opposition with God. Unless you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ for the payment of your sin and the salvation of your soul, you stand condemned already. There are others who know full well their sinfulness and don’t know how to remedy their condition. I can assure you that Jesus Christ has paid the sufficient and final sacrifice for sin. And that if you repent from your sin and give yourself over to the Lord Jesus, you can be forgiven and appear righteous before God! Now that does not guarantee a pain-free life. Because God will often use circumstances and trials to become more like Christ. But you can have joy within those times.
The purpose of the Law of Moses is two-fold, I believe. First, God created a human race to whom he had to communicate his attributes. He had to do so gradually because of their finite minds. So, in providing moral and dietary laws and sacrifices and such, He was communicating his holiness. This included his purity and disdain for sin. Secondly, the law was established to show humankind its sinfulness and inability to become righteous before God. But even from the beginning, he began to show his plan for a future redeemer for his people that would earn righteousness for them.
So the situation goes from being a time of lamenting and sorrow to that of celebration. And this all because they understood the Word of God! We have seen the Power of Scripture displayed within the people. And now we see the Practice of Scripture.
Beginning in verse 13, we see how they responded to the events that had just taken place. The verse reads that “On the second day the heads of fathers’ houses of all the people, with the priests and the Levites, came together to Ezra the scribe in order to study the words of the Law” On the very next day, the fathers of all the houses of people came together to study. Talk about a Men’s Ministry!! Do you see the significance here? This was a monumental occasion. Remember where this chapter fits in the book as a whole. Up to this point we have focused on the physical rebuilding of the walls, the political situation and construction. This chapter initiates the restoration of the people, the spiritual condition and instruction of the people. We have just concluded the high importance of the reading and instruction of God’s Word. The continuation of the practice begins with whom?? THE MEN!!
Now the success of the church ultimately resides in God. We know that. But beyond that, what the church needs to succeed – and what we mean by that is to fulfill its mandate biblically - is for the men to fulfill their roles as spiritual leaders in their homes and in their churches! Men, you are charged with the task of diligent study in God’s Word so that you can lead your family. You are primarily responsible to invest in their spiritual development. You are the ones who initiate and see to it that your family is here on Sunday mornings! This is biblical and if you don’t know it, you’re not in the Word! Bring on the communication cards. I can take it.
We live in a town that is characterized by broken families and confused family structures – a town the often sees the abuses of irresponsible men - weak men. And I see great potential as I envision a church that consists of men that demonstrate to our community what it means to lead a godly family. And believe me. I am not saying that I’ve got it all together. What I am saying is that the more time I spend in God’s Word, the more I see my shortcomings and the more I see the high calling of leading spiritually. And that’s great news! Because now I know what it means to please God.
Men, God has created us as adventurers and explorers and risk-takers. That’s why we mountain bike and hunt (They do let you own guns in Canada, right?) and sometimes we drive fast motorcycles (always within the speed limit, of course). And I think it’s possible that we’ve misunderstood our calling as men within the church. This is not some passive organization where check our manhood at the door. We are on a mission! This is adventure at its finest! We are leading our families and churches in a culture that has a worldview radically different than our own. We need to instruct our families in the Word of God and protect them from false teaching. Our children need to know that they were created by a God who wants us to live for his glory. Our children need to know that they do not exist because of a random act of chance. There is a purpose to their existence. How will they know unless we instruct them? And we need to be on the frontlines of the church leading the way to impact our community with the gospel of Christ.
OK. Back to the text. They came together to study the words of the Law. That must have been a great Bible study. I don’t think they would have had enough tables at the restaurant on Tuesday morning, Karl! As they were studying, the text reads “they found it written in the Law that the Lord had commanded by Moses that the people of Israel should dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month…” The people recognized the Feast of Booths that historically the Israelites would have celebrated at this very time. And what did they do with that new knowledge? Verse 16 reads that “the people went out and brought them and made booths for themselves, each on his roof, and in their courts and in the courts of the house of God, and in the square at the Water Gate and in the square at the Gate of Ephraim. And all the assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and lived in the booths, for from the days of Jeshua the son of Nun to that day the people of Israel had not done so.”
Now the Feast of Booths was sort of like camping in your back yard. They were instructed to set these temporary shelters up to remind them of God’s delivering them from the hand of the Egyptians and provision for them in the wilderness. Their trust was in their God and not their permanent dwelling places. It may have been easy at that time to place great trust in their newly reconstructed walls. This was a timely event that reminded them of their dependence on their God and not their walls.
And what was the result? The end of verse 17…. “And there was very great rejoicing.” Have you ever experienced this? You discover something in God’s Word and you know exactly how you can apply it? You follow through in obedience. And there is great joy. It is not always easy to obey the commands of Scripture. But that is where our joy comes from – knowing that we are living our lives to the glory of God.
Verse 18 reads that “day by day, from the first day to the last day, he read from the Book of the Law of God. They kept the feast seven days, and on the eighth day there was a solemn assembly, according to the rule.” We see that Israelites obeyed immediately and completely. And I think you know how to apply that truth.
Though there is no formula for revival. I think we do see that characteristics of when it happens. They are centered around the Scriptures and there is an effect that this has on people. When people encounter God through his word, there is often repentance and obedience. And that is exactly what is needed for revival.
So we focused on the Purpose of Scripture. The Word is to be gathered around in unity. It is to be a priority. There should be a hunger for it. The Bible should be studied diligently and communicated effectively. We need to be attentive and responsive listeners. And we need to pray over it.
Next, we talked about the Power of Scripture. When we are actively in God’s Word, we experience conviction over sin and joy in being forgiven.
And lastly, we discussed the Practice of Scripture. We are expected to daily study in the Word and immediate and complete obedience to it. And there is great joy when we do so. For God blesses obedience because it brings him glory. This day is holy to the Lord because it is set apart to gather to worship him. This must be also be a priority if we expect God to do a work among us.
If you do not know Jesus Christ, the first step in obedience to God’s word is repentance and faith. I would encourage you that as you experience the conviction and calling of the Holy Spirit, that you would respond by trusting in Christ alone for your salvation from sin. There is joy in forgiveness and obedience. Let’s pray.