Knowing The Time To Shout

5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:

6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

Our selected text this morning deals with this issue in a very clear and concise manner.

As a means of background, Nehemiah was the third great leader in the Jewish restoration. He had led a group of exiles back to Jerusalem, and led the massive project which rebuilt the cities walls.

The cities walls had been destroyed as they suffered defeat and became enslaved. While most of the Israelites were in bondage, a remnant remained in Jerusalem, however, Jerusalem was desecrated.

Not only was it desecrated physically, but it was desecrated spiritually. By the time we get to chapter 8, Nehemiah has invigorated and inspired the people to move, out of a sense of pride and character, to rebuild the walls, and now, the man of God, Ezra, begins the process of the people rebuilding their spiritual lives.

On the first day of the seventh month (verse 2) the people gathered together for a Holy Convocation, the Feast of Trumpets (Leviticus 23:24, 25), which typified the regathering of Israel from among the Gentile nations.

Standing on a special platform and flanked by thirteen Levites, Ezra read from the Law of Moses for several hours. When looking at this text I believe that there are three things in this text, can give us an idea of when is it time to shout.

Ya’ll gonna give me a little time?

I. It’s time to shout when the Lord is heard.

The text has us to know that "Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people."

When Ezra stood before the people and opened the book, they stood up to receive the Word of The Lord. When the Word was read, they responded by standing on their feet. Part of this was a cultural response, this is what they did when great edicts or announcements were read, but part of this was also rooted in their complete reverence of The Word of the Lord.

The opening of the Book, or the Scriptures, is indicative of the fact that Ezra was speaking to the people concerning the Word of the Lord, and I’m just kind of funny, but whenever I hear a word from the Lord, I think it’s time to shout!

We hear so much in our society today that has nothing to do with nothing. Mindless talk, irresponsible talk, inconsequential talk, but when someone stands before me and declares the Word of the Lord, that’s music to my soul! It is in the word of the Lord that my soul has found a resting place.

I believe He means what He says...and when I need comfort and assurance I want to hear His Word that say "Let not your heart be troubled.

When I’m talked about, I want to hear His Word the Word that says Blessed are you, when men shall revile you and persecute you, and speak all manner of evil against you, falsely.

When I’ve lost loved ones, I want to hear His Word that says

"Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted."

When I’m worry about tomorrow, I want to hear His Word say, that tomorrow will take care of itself.

When I begin to lay up treasures here, I want to hear His Word. "Lay up your treasures in heaven!"

When I can’t find my way, can’t discern the truth, question the purpose of my life, I want to hear His Words, "I am the way, the truth and the life.

When I get restless, and begin to doubt His existence, amidst all of the turmoil in this present world, I may desire to pop some pills, drown my sorrows in alcohol, go get a gun, take vengeance into my own hands, give up on life...when I feel that no one cares, no one loves, and no one will be my side, I want to hear His words... Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world!

Thank God for preachers who will simply deliver his Word.

It is the Word of the Lord that spoke to me of my lostness.

It is the Word of the Lord that speaks to me of my Savior.

It is the Word of the Lord that speaks to me of my salvation and, it is the Word of the Lord that speaks to me of my victory.