Bible Pathway - June 9, 2010
Highlights:
What a wonderful worship service! Before the month was over the earlier reading of the Word of God led the people to confession of their sins, revival, and worship (Neh. 9). They renewed their Covenant with God to follow His Word. Notice who signed it (9:38-10:39).
The completion of the wall provided protection from the surrounding enemies and provided peace of mind to hear what God had to say. It was symbolic of our necessity to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. . . . See then that ye walk circumspectly (watchful of various dangers, hidden or visible). . . . understanding . . . the will of the Lord (Eph. 5:11,15,17). Ezra stands out as a godly man who led the people to "understand the will of the Lord." Ezra and other Levites read in the Book of the Law of God distinctly, and gave the sense (meaning), and caused them to understand the reading as read from the Law (Neh. 8:8). The importance of teaching the Word of God was of such grave consequences that it is mentioned seven times in one chapter (8:2,3,7,8,9,12,13). This points out how essential it is to read all the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.
On the 24th day of Tishri (September/October), the children of Israel were assembled with fasting (Neh. 9:1). There was a movement of the Holy Spirit following the reading of the Scriptures. They stood up in their place, and read in the Book of the Law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshiped the LORD their God (9:2-3). The Levites were led to say to the people: Stand up and bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be Thy glorious Name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise (9:5).
The priests revealed how God, in manifold (great) mercies, had provided His good Spirit to instruct them . . . they lacked nothing (9:19-21). It is the same Holy Spirit who still guides believers, as Jesus promised: When He is come, He will reprove (convict) the world of sin. . . . when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all Truth (John 16:8,13). The Holy Spirit also seeks to guide all Christians into the occupation or position God has chosen for us to most effectively serve Him and to prepare us for our eternal inheritance. The Holy Spirit alone can enlighten our minds, impart conviction of sin, and empower us to live a sanctified (holy) life (I Cor. 2:16; 6:11).
For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father . . . That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man (Eph. 3:14,16).
Thought for Today:
Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into His rest, any of you should seem to come short of it (Heb. 4:1).
Christ Revealed:
As the Creator of heaven and earth (Neh. 9:6). All things were created by Him, and for Him (Col. 1:16).
Word Studies:
9:18 wrought great provocations =committed great blasphemy; 9:22 didst divide them into corners =allotted and set boundaries; 9:25 fat =rich; 9:29 withdrew the shoulder =turned away rebelliously; hardened their neck =were stubborn, obstinate; 10:1 Tirshatha =governor; 10:28 Nethinims =temple attendants or servants; 10:31 leave =forego the 7th year's crop.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Assistant to the Executive Director of the IBRA in our Washington DC Branch: Terry Hall • Government Official: Rep. Don Young (AK) • Country: Mexico (99.7 million) in North America • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 89% Catholic; 6% Protestant; 3.5% None; 1.5% Other (Orthodox, Muslim, Jewish, Baha'i) • Prayer Suggestion: Humble yourself before the Lord (I Pet. 5:5-6).
Optional Reading: 2 Corinthians 11
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 1:7
