Chew On This (Word Of God)

HoHum:

Dwight Moody was preaching one time in a Southern city about the value of the Word of God in a person’s life. Suddenly he was interrupted by a loud voice that said, “Mr. Moody, I do not believe a single word of that collection of old wives’ tales you call the Bible!” Mr. Moody answered, “My dear friend, there is one verse in this Bible that you are forced to believe. ‘Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap’ (Galatians 6:7). If a man sows wheat, he does not reap potatoes or peanuts. Take a saloonkeeper, for example; he sows drunkards, and he will reap drunkards.” The man sat down as the audience broke into loud applause. Mr. Moody did not know this man, but the audience did. He was a notorious, long time atheist saloonkeeper; and all his children, both sons and daughters, were drunkards.

WBTU:

Beginning with two quotes:

Robert Morgan said, “The Bible has played a starring role in American history from our nation’s beginnings. When George Washington was sworn into office as our first president, he did not place his hand on the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution of the United States, as hallowed as those documents are. Instead, he swore upon and even kissed the Bible to sanctify this important moment. The Bible, Washington knew, had ushered American history to this point. Trying to explain American history without the Bible is like trying to understand the human body without its bloodstream. Had there been no Bible, there would be no America as we know it. It is the Bible that made America.”

Elton Trueblood said, “The Christian is joyful, not because he is blind to injustice and suffering, but because he is convinced that these, in the light of God’s sovereignty, are never ultimate. The humor of the Christian is not a way of denying the tears, but rather a way of affirming something that is deeper than tears. Yes, a few things in life are absolutely tragic, no question about it. First among them, a joyless Christian.”

What do these 2 quotes have to do with one another? Find out today.

We come to chapter 8 in Nehemiah. Not covering Nehemiah 7 because it contains a list of the exiles who returned much like Ezra 2 does. The list in Nehemiah 7 is more complete but is similar to Ezra 2. The Israelites have spent time and energy on the material needs of the city, they completed the wall in 52 days. After this it is good to spend some time and energy on the spiritual needs of the city and we see this in Nehemiah 8.

Thesis: In Nehemiah 8 we see 3 positive responses to God’s Word

1. We must understand the Word, focusing on the mind (Nehemiah 8:1-8)

The Bible is unlike a magic book, it is meant to be understood. Many have a Bible on the shelf that is rarely read. What good is it? Good to have it around because brings good luck.

God’s Word must be understood before it can enter the heart and bring it’s life giving power.

Ezra was the ideal person to conduct this outdoor Bible school. Ezra 7:10- For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. Ezra came to Jerusalem about 16 years earlier than Nehemiah. The people remembered Ezra and wanted him to “bring out the Book.” Ezra brought the Book, opened the Book, read and explained the Book along with the help of others. This was the Jewish New Year. The New Year was soon after rebuilding the wall and it was a perfect time to make a fresh beginning. Torah was taught, first 5 books of OT. Ezra probably taught from one book (probably Deuteronomy) and brought in quotes from others for background information. Ezra stood on a wooden platform so the people could see and hear him better. When the Book was read the people stood up out of reference. Congregation stood and listened for 6 hours (imagine that?). Now the common people were unable to have copies of the Torah (too expansive, kept in temple and in the synagogues) so they were thrilled to hear the Word of God. So blessed to have many copies of the Bible in our homes and hands

The Torah is written in Hebrew and most of these people spoke in Aramaic. Aramaic is close to Hebrew but many differences. There were others in the crowd who clarified and answered questions. Psalm 119:48 says, “I reach out for your commands, which I love, that I may meditate on your decrees.” Some think of meditation as emptying the mind but Christian meditation is filling the mind with the Word. Meditating is the practice of muttering and ruminating (chewing cud) on Scripture. Have to read it and study it to be able to meditate on it. Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.”