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RIGHT ATTITUDE TO GOD’S WORD (3)

Date: 
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
Bible Meditation: 
Nehemiah 8: 1-14

“…The ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law– Nehemiah 8:3b

Scriptures never leave us in doubt as to the imperative of developing the RIGHT ATTITUDE to GOD’S WORD: Then he READ from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law” (Neh.8:3). GOD is one with His WORD: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (Jh.1:1). As such, our attitude towards the Word of God is our attitude towards God Himself. His Word is sufficient and full of power by itself, but it is our attitude that determines the impact of the Word in our lives.

In today’s devotional, let’s highlight from the response of God’s people in the days of Ezra, four salient dimensions in developing a right and proper attitude towards the Word of God, so that we can break forth into all He has ordained and designed for us.

Read the Word of God and Search the Scriptures Daily: These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). Jesus asked His listeners: “Have you never read in the Scriptures…?” (Mt.21:42). Paul reminded the Colossian Believers: Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea” (Col.4:16). Baruch, Jeremiah’s secretary, read the Word of God to the people and the king’s officials (Jer.36:10,14-15). Joshua read all the words of the law to the Israelites (Jos. 8:34-35). Ministers of God should read His Word to people, and each person should also read the Bible privately (Jos.1:8).

Be attentive to the Word of God: Then he READ from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law” (v.3). All the people were attentive to the Book of the Law, as Ezra read it. We should learn to listen attentively to God’s Word, avoiding distractions.

Revering the Word of God: And 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” (v.5). When Ezra opened the book (the Word of God), all the people stood up. That was reverence for the Word of God. They trembled before God’s Word. The people were so moved that they wept when they heard the words of the Law (v.9). Ezra 9:4a further confirms: “Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel assembled to me.” The psalmist testified: “My heart stands in awe of Your word” (Psa.119:161b). We should develop similar attitude of awe and reverence for the Word of God.

Seek to understand the Word of God: So they read DISTINCTLY from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the SENSE, and helped them to UNDERSTAND the reading” (v.8). As Ezra read the book and the Levites explained distinctly, the people understood the words that were declared to them (vv.8). The result was Great Rejoicing: And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and REJOICE GREATLY, because THEY UNDERSTOOD the words that were declared to them” (v.12). The family heads, priests, and Levites came back the following day to hear more teaching and gain more understanding (vv. 13-14). We should not simply read or listen to the Word for the sake of it; but seek to understand it by the help of the Holy Spirit, who inspired the writers of scriptures (1Jh.2:20).  

Adetokunbo O. Ilesanmi (Meditations)

Prayer: 
Lord, help us to develop the RIGHT ATTITUDE to YOUR WORD – reading, listening attentively, revering, and seeking to understand, in Jesus’ name.
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