"The Israelites had settled in their towns, all the people came together as one in the square before the Water gate." 8:1
The Israelites moved into the neighborhood. How marvelous must it have been to see a ghost town come back to life? Unpacked and probably unsure what to make of their made new-old home, they gathered for some new neighbor mingling. Though this was much different than that awkward community bar-b-que you probably so deeply love...
I imagine that the Israelites wanted to get it right this time. Don't we all? They had seen the miracle the Lord had provided them in reviving their home, and they wanted to honor Him. So they sent for the priest to instruct them from the Law of God, and Ezra was the guy for the job.
"He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law." 8:2-3
They listened. They cared. They longed for what was true, and in that desire they went straight to the source of truth: God's word.
"Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground." 8:6
When truth shows up on the scene, it pushes out what is untrue within us. We are untangled from lies, and set free in what remains. Truth moves us straight to worship because we see plainly the faithfulness of God. It was the Laws of God that brought them joy! Boundaries are good for us, friends. They safeguard our heart and entire being for protection. They liberate us, making room for freedom, not vice versa.
In case that wasn't enough, The Levites, who were responsible to God for the priesthood of the people,"instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read." 8:8
So before the people had fully understood the truth, they reacted to it. God is vast, and in our simplicity of human nature it can be hard to decode the words of our Holy and Almighty God. We need His Holy Spirit to teach us. Seeing their desire, God so cared that He provided those who could put the Word into laymen's terms.
We don't have to turn away from truth if we don't understand; we simply ask God for His insight and trust that whether or not we receive it, our response should still be worship. Worship for what we comprehend, and worship in awe in that we cannot fathom.
The Israelites had probably reached some emotional hi's that day, to say the least! Our homes Neh calls it time to feast. Thank goodness there is a time for that!
"Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have noting prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." 8:10
"Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them." 8:12
Bring us joy through Your Words, Sweet Lord, that we might be changed and strengthened by them. You are our One True King. Thank you for letting us in on how to live. Thank you for the rest we can find by simply trusting in Your Name. Push us to push towards you, and strengthen your daughters in truth that we might honor You more. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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