From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>
To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"
Sent: Tue, Oct 12, 2021 at 6:22 AM
Subject: 10-12-21 THOUGHTS
10-12-21 THOUGHTS
After 70 years of captivity, a remnant of Jews went back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and the wall. They were a rugged people with a “mind to work”. The work is recorded in Ezra and Nehemiah, and it is pursued under tremendously difficult circumstances. In Ezra 3 (where we are studying on Wednesday evening), they begin the re-establishment of worship and sacrifice to God. In the seventh month, the Feast of Trumpets was on the first day, the Day of Atonement on the tenth, and the Feast of Tabernacles came on the fifteenth. The recording below shows a people happy in the results of their labors and dedicated to knowing their God more fully. This is a revival in process! It strengthens me to read it and think about being there. Skip over the long names if you will, but don’t miss “the ONE MAN DEVOTION-WORSHIP” that is present here! Is there a chance that WE could rise to this? Lord, make our hearts capable and desirous of such devotion!
Neh 8:1-10 And all the people gathered as one man at the square which was in front of the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses which the LORD had given to Israel. 2 Then Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly of men, women and all who could listen with understanding, on the first day of the seventh month. 3 He read from it before the square which was in front of the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of men and women, those who could understand; and all the people were attentive to the book of the law. 4 Ezra the scribe stood at a wooden podium which they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand; and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam on his left hand. 5 Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 Then Ezra blessed the LORD the great God. And all the people answered, "Amen, Amen!" while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. 7 Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, explained the law to the people while the people remained in their place. 8 They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading. 9 Then Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said to them, "Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
My Prayer:
Father God, give us such reverence that we can weep at the awesomeness of your word. Help us to celebrate your greatness with every part of our being. May we desire and learn to be one in our worship and service to you. May we see the beauty of togetherness as You envisioned it at the first. Thank you for the blood bought Church! In Jesus name, Amen