Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square…and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses…So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding…Then he read from it from morning until midday,…and all of the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. Nehemiah 8:1-3
How do we go deeper into receiving the Word of God? In Nehemiah, once the walls were
completed and the doors hung, people began to return to Jerusalem. (see Nehemiah 7) Ezra was one of the priests and scribes who returned and he helped rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. (see the book of Ezra) He was very respected among his people and upon his return he was asked to read the Book of the Law. He read for hours and the people heard and received the Word.
A healthy spiritual and physical life continues when we read and receive the Word. I was intrigued to hear that the people listened for hours and acted upon what they heard by confessing their sins in chapter nine. A healthy spiritual life is only maintained as we read, listen and receive the Word of God. I believe all three of these things must take place for a healthy life to continue. So many believers I have encountered read the Word, but something is not connecting. They still struggle with the same conflicts and issues. I believe the problems lies in receiving God’s Word.
What do you think it means to receive the Word of God?
A healthy spiritual and physical life continues when we read and receive the Word. A healthy spiritual life is only maintained as we read, listen and receive the Word of God. I believe all three of these things must take place for a healthy life to continue.
We hear a lot about receiving in the church today. Phrases like “receiving the love of God, receiving the Holy Spirit, receive Jesus as Savor.” Receiving has to do with accepting what is given to you. It involves a gift or some kind of possession to be accepted. I believe many Christians have a hard time receiving today because they do not think they are worthy. They believe they must “do something” or pay back for what was given to them. I settled the matter a long time ago—I am not worthy to receive anything from God. I am not worthy to receive salvation, the Holy Spirit, His gifts, His blessings or even His identity for me. But, God has made us all worthy to receive all that He has for us.
Receiving the Word of God involves opening our hearts and believing what he has for us. Receiving then takes place as I obey His Word.
Tomorrow, we look into how do we receive the Word of God.
Mark Keyes
Vice President of Infusion Ministries
Dave Park
