August 14
Neh 7:73-9:21 | PS 33:12-22 | Prov 21:11-12 | 1 Cor 9:1-18
The overwhelming majority of individuals don't touch God's Word nor have any desire to do so. The majority who do claim to be in God's Word prefer devotionals to the actual Word of God. This generally amounts to a verse or two from the actual Bible followed by a short or lengthy commentary by a person or it might be a book written by a godly individual on a topic. If this is what your time alone with God looks like then you are focusing on the person and that person's opinions rather than God's actual Word. God in His infinite love has bestowed us with His Word, but people, for the most part, say, "no thank you". In debates or issues surrounding God, all too often we employ human wisdom rather than simply letting God's Word convict the heart. Why? Do we believe our words are more persuasive? Do we elevate human wisdom over God's actual Word? We need to realize just how far we are from the correct path. If at a gathering, a school board meeting, a protest on the streets, or even a church gathering, how long would it be tolerated, how long before those listening became restless, if one were to simply stand up with Bible in hand and simply read. Sadly, the word despise actually means to "take lightly" and many, even within the faith despise God's Word.
We read in Nehemiah 8:2-3, "So on October 8 Ezra the priest brought the Book of the Law before the assembly, which included the men and women and all the children old enough to understand. He faced the square just inside the Water Gate from early morning until noon and read aloud to everyone who could understand. All the people listened closely to the Book of the Law." He simply read the contents of God's Word. The Levites then went around with the Word and helped explain and facilitate understanding, which we see the response in 8:9, "Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law." We then see the response of the people in 9:1-3, " On October 31 the people assembled again, and this time they fasted and dressed in burlap and sprinkled dust on their heads. Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all foreigners as they confessed their own sins and the sins of their ancestors. They remained standing in place for three hours while the Book of the Law of the Lord their God was read aloud to them. Then for three more hours they confessed their sins and worshiped the Lord their God."
See the importance in this response, it was conviction, not condemnation. For us in Christ, we read in Romans 8:1, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." The Word of God is not meant to simply make us feel bad about ourselves it should prompt us to change, to act, etc. The Word of God is perfect, does not need to be changed over time, as it is just as relevant now as when it was first written. Spend time in His actual Word. Immerse yourself in it daily. Focus on its contents rather than the words of any man or woman, no matter how well intentioned these words might be. God's Word is truth. It is inerrant. This needs to be our source of encouragement and direction each and every day.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: