“All the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses… So [he] brought the Law before the assembly… He read from it facing the square… from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive… Ezra opened the book in the sight of the people,.. and as he opened it all the people stood. Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, ‘Amen, Amen,’ lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground… The Levites helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places. They read from the book clearly, and gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
“And Nehemiah.., and Ezra.., and the Levites who taught the people said.., ‘This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.’ For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law… ‘Go your way…The joy of the Lord is your strength…’ All the people went their way… to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.” Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-10,12
“Open my eyes, that I may behold
wondrous things out of your law.” Psalm 119:18
“Morning by morning [the Lord God] awakens;
he awakens my ear
to hear as those who are taught.” Isaiah 50:4
The Book of the Law was treasured among God’s people as His personal word to them. Exposure to it was life-giving, powerful in revelation, instruction, and conviction. When Ezra read it before the returned exiles to reestablish them in Jerusalem, the Levites accompanied the words with explanation so they could understand. Once they grasped the meaning and power in God’s Law, they could not help but humbly rejoice in all that had been declared. God’s rule for life brought joy to living.
Illumination opens the way for meaningful gladness. When we understand the teachings and revelations of God in His word, we are brought into deeper relationship with the Almighty. Knowing Him and obeying gets us in sync with His good will, where we enjoy abundant life. (Nehemiah 8:13-14,17-18; John 10:10; 15:5)
How committed am I to understanding what God’s word says and means? Do I settle for brief snippets of cursory reading and list-checking, or do I dig deep until the Lord speaks? Do I squelch the burning of my heart because I fear what might be exposed or required? Or do I ask the Spirit to give me full comprehension? What can I adjust in order to understand the word better, to recognize its warnings, commands, and promises? How promptly and appropriately do I respond to what I learn? (Luke 24:13-15,25-27; John 16:13-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12)
Who am I helping to understand God’s word? Do I hoard the treasures for myself, or deliberately apply, display, and relay them? Who around me needs patient explanation? When we ask, the Lord gives discernment to sense curiosity, eyes to recognize desire, and joyful willingness to come alongside to help others know God through His word. (Acts 8:26-31)
Lord, as You enlighten me, help me share the joy of knowing You.
As the rain and snow 