Transforming power of God’s word Nehemiah:8,9,10
After the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem under the leadership of Nehemiah, the Governer, a spiritual rebuilding or revival took place under the leadership of Ezra, the priest. Hearing and understanding of God’s word brought about the spiritual revival or transformation.
Sincere desire for God’s Word.
They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses… (8:1) He read it aloud from daybreak till noon….And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.(8:3) Standing for 6 hours a day and hearing for days..
Sincere teaching.
They read…making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.(8:8) It was a team work- Governor, priest and Levites and not a one man show.(8:9)
Proper teaching and instruction led to understanding. “..they now understood the words that had been made known to them”(8:12)
Understanding led to repentance and confession. For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.(8:9) “… confessed their sins and the wickedness of their fathers…”(9:2)
This led to a new commitment. “to follow the Law of God….to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the Lord our LORD”(10:29) God’s Word brought a great revival in Jerusalem in all areas of their life.( Nehemiah.9, 10)
Do we have a sincere hunger and thirst to know God’s Word?How much time are we spending with God and His Word?
Are we teaching God’s Word to others expecting a transformation in their lives?
Is God’s Word transforming us daily?
How can we revive our churches?
Rev.C.V.Abraham.