“Ezra stood on the platform in full view of all the people. When they saw him open the book, they all rose to their feet. Then Ezra praised the Lord, the great God, and all the people chanted, “Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground” (Nehemiah 8:5-6 NLT).

HOW TO RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD

This is how the people of God responded to the Word of God being opened after they had rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. How we respond to the God’s Word reveals much about our hearts. For some, the Bible is just a collection of myths and human sayings. For others, it is a good book, yet still not to be taken too literally. Yet, for others, it is the very Word of God, worthy of study, meditation, memorization and application to their lives. Does your heart stand up to hear the Word? Does your tongue utter, “Amen,” at its reading. Does your will bow down to follow its instruction?

PRAYER: Father, thank You for Your Word. We are in awe that You would write such a letter of love to Your children. Forgive us when we forget to read, or read only to serve some other purpose than to know Your will better that we might obey and follow. Give us this day our daily bread. For Your Word is food and we would be filled. In Jesus’ name, amen.