Nehemiah 8: “Do Not Grieve, This Day is holy”

When you hear or read God’s Word, do you grieve as these had done? The people had been weeping when they heard the words of the Law. [Neh 8:9] What is our response when the Word is read each day or each time we are with others in the church? It had been 70 years. at least that these had heard the words of the Law, and Ezra had studied and prepared his heart to read it to the people upon their request.

We fail to understand these words because we are so blessed to have the Word in our language at our fingertips. Yet, these had not only not heard it but had not understood it. It took Ezra, the Levites, and others to help the people understand, and when they did, they were pricked in their hearts. The people were admonished not to grieve but to rejoice and share this news with others.

This is our challenge: share the good news of Jesus and His resurrection, and let your joy be evident to others.