It's All About the Word
After the Exile • Sermon • Submitted
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You Have to Want It
You Have to Want It
The people took the initiative.
The people took the initiative.
The word “people” is found 13 times in these 12 verses.
This wasn’t in the temple or led by the priesthood
A shift from the importance of the Temple to the importance of the Torah.
Christians should recognize that the living power of God’s word is greater than any building.
vs. 2 - “Men, women and all who could listen with understanding”
vs. 2 - “Men, women and all who could listen with understanding”
Indicated the responsibility was upon the people to know the book and be known as “the people of the book”
This concept of the Word of God being our instruction and authority is what enabled the Protestant Reformation movement to be so powerful by focusing on the principal that every believer should read and know the Scriptural imperatives themselves.
You Have to Focus On It
You Have to Focus On It
In the Temple worship focused on the ritual and the implements of sacrifice.
In the Temple worship focused on the ritual and the implements of sacrifice.
There were lots of shiny, moving parts and each played a role in the ceremonies.
The importance of the sacrifices was not in their instructional value but in their devotional display.
This day, the focus was not on the ritual but the reality that God has given man His Word! - vs. 6
This day, the focus was not on the ritual but the reality that God has given man His Word! - vs. 6
Nehemiah stood at a podium designed to hold the scroll and read.
The idea that the Word of God was being opened to the people led them to stand in honor of the Word of God.
Like with Hezekiah years earlier, the people rediscovered God’s Word and its importance.
70 Years of exile away from the temple led to a shift from the issue being the place where worship happened to the issue being the surrender of the heart.
They responded by
(1) lifting their hands in worship showing their need;
(2) saying “Amen, Amen” showing their recognition of the authority of the scripture;
(3) bowing in humble submission to God.
The role of the leaders was to help the people understand and apply the Word of God.
The role of the leaders was to help the people understand and apply the Word of God.
You Have to Follow It
You Have to Follow It
The concept of realizing God’s expectations for us is scary.
Setting aside our agendas and feelings to embrace God’s plans and ideals
Following His call rather than doing it my way
Forgoing the momentary pleasures of this world for the sake of His glory being displayed through us.
All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify.
Nehemiah, Ezra and the Levites reminded them, knowing God’s Word is not a cause for fear but for celebration.
God’s Word not only pointed out what was wrong but implored the people to realize they could be right with God.
All the people went away to eat, to drink, to send portions and to celebrate a great festival, because they understood the words which had been made known to them.