the Fourth Week after Easter
Click here to learn more!
Daily Devotionals
Day by Day Devotional - Year 2 of 5
Nehemiah 8:1-12
For the impressive scene which is the subject of this chapter Nehemiah has granted the place of honour to Ezra, the priest. We know that he was a "ready scribe in the law of Moses" and had for a long time "prepared his heart . . . to teach in Israel statutes and judgments" (Ezra 7:6; Ezra 7:10). Happy indeed is this wish which, at the request of the people, finds its fulfilment! It involves the clear reading and and explanation of the Word of God. As he opens it, Ezra does not fail to bless the LORD who has given this Word, just as today we begin by giving thanks when the Bible is about to be read and meditated upon in a meeting. As for those present, being intelligent is not enough (v. 3); it is also necessary to pay attention (end of v. 3). Do we always do that in meetings or in the family reading? Understanding the Word is the means by which we ourselves are fed and encouraged by fellowship with the Lord (v. 12). But let us also think about the words "send portions" (v. 10); that means to allow any absent person to benefit from what has enriched us.
Let us finally underline this glorious verse: "The joy of the LORD is your strength" (end of v. 10). Above all, let us know it in our lives!
