Reading of the law

[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. [7] Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place. [8] So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. Nehemiah 8:6-8

What a wonderful picture we have of complete and total submission to God. Ezra blessed (in the Hebrew it means to kneel; by implication to bless God, as an act of adoration) God. The people answered with a double Amen (meaning they agreed totally). Lifting their hands and bowing heads and worshipped (Hebrew meaning to depress, that is, prostrate especially reflexively in homage to royalty or God): -…fall down (flat), humbly beseech …). They knew Who God was and showed complete and totally respect for Him and his Holy Word.

As the people stood in place (for hours) listening to the Word, the Levites helped them to understand what was being read.

When was the last time you stood for hours listening to the Word of God? I have never stood for hours listening to God’s word being preached and explained. There are Christians in other nations who will gladly stand to hear the Word of God. There are people in other nations being persecuted because they are listening and obeying the Word.

As I close today, join me in praying for our brothers and sisters in other countries who are suffering from persecution.

Dear Heavenly Father,
We come to you today in earnest prayer for those in other countries, people who are taking a stand and are willing to give their lives for You. I pray for wisdom and understanding of your Word. I pray for comfort and protection and peace to endure. Lord, keep your loving hand upon them. Show them like only you can, that you are with them and will never leave them. Help them to put their total trust in you in all situations. Help them to put on the whole amour of God that they may be able to stand against the evil one. In Jesus name, Amen.

To learn more about praying for persecuted Christians see Voice of the Martyrs.

Have a blessed day,
Donna