Verse of the Day - weekend 3/26

Through the Bible - Proverbs 8-12, 1 Corinthians 16, Titus 1

 

Good morning,

I recently read through the book of Nehemiah where Ezra the scribe,  reveals the character of the God who rebuilds walls and lives;  with the prophet Nehemiah as the person, the instrument that God would use to restore the walls of the city.  The completion of the work led to worship.

 

Today's verse comes from Nehemiah 8 and describes the scene as Ezra the scribe and priest reads, the Word is proclaimed from a wooden platform to hearts that are eager to hear the Word of the Lord.
 Neh 8:5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up.

6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. Then all the people answered, "Amen, Amen!" while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.   NKJV

Reading the passage I could also picture faithful preachers such as Charles Spurgeon proclaim God's word from pulpits situated above their congregations.  Many reformed churches are still set up this way.

But more important than the location of the pulpit is the condition, the attitude of gratitude in the hearts of the congregations.  As Ezra spoke from the book the congregation took it in, took it to heart.  They were moved and humbled and their minds and hearts were put into the proper place for worship.

 

How long has it been since you've been moved, humbled and perhaps driven to your knees physically or emotionally as you've heard a Word from the Lord through your pastor's message?  May we understand the message clearly and may our worship be pleasing in His sight this weekend.  May we sing with humbled hearts and uplifted  hands, "How Great is our God".

Blessings,

Mike

mikevw@bellsouth.net
mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Neh 8:1-6
8:1 Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded Israel.

2 So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month.

3 Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.

4 So Ezra the scribe stood on a platform of wood which they had made for the purpose; and beside him, at his right hand, stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Urijah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah; and at his left hand Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

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

6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. Then all the people answered, "Amen, Amen!" while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
NKJV