Song # 1808.1 from Our Gospel In Song Collection by Col Johnston. In the Book of Nehemiah we read in chapter 8 that Ezra the scribe read from the Book of the Law of Moses, to all the Israelite people from daybreak till noon. (Nehemiah was sent by the Persian emperor to govern Judah, and frequently prayed to God).
When the Israelites had settled in their towns, all the people assembled as one in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded for Israel (Nehemiah 8:1). So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly (Nehemiah 8:2). He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, woman and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law (Nehemiah 8:3). Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion (Nehemiah 8:4). All the people could see him because he was standing above them (Nehemiah 8:5). Ezra praised the Lord, the great God, and all the people lifted their hands and responded “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground (Nehemiah 8:6). The Levites (Nehemiah 8:7), also read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read (Nehemiah 8:8). Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all “This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law (Nehemiah 8:9). Nehemiah said “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
Thought for today: we can’t see God’s hand, but we can trust His heart.
Thought for the future: God’s help is only a prayer away. Where will you spend your eternity?