All the people went their way to eat and drink . . . and rejoice greatly. — Nehemiah 8:12
In a fast-paced culture of “eat and run,” few people make time to enjoy a leisurely meal in the company of friends. Someone has even remarked that the only way to enjoy a seven-course meal today is to get it all between two pieces of bread!
After many of the Israelite exiles in Babylon returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and the walls of the city, they gathered to hear Ezra read from the Book of the Law given by God through Moses (Neh. 8:1). They listened to God’s Word for hours, while teachers among them “gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading” (v.8).
When they wept because of their shortcomings, Ezra, along with Nehemiah the governor, told them this was not a time for sorrow but a time for rejoicing. The people were told to prepare a feast and share it with those who had nothing, “for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (v.10). Then “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 spiritual banquet God has prepared for us in His Word is a cause for great joy. It is worth taking time to savor. — David McCasland
Lord, give us a hunger and a thirst
to know You more that can be satisfied only by time spent with You in Your Word. Help us to savor that time and, as we do, to grow more in love with You each day.
READ: Nehemiah 8:1-12
Christ the Living Bread
satisfies our spiritual hunger
through the Living Word.
The Bible in one year:
• Exodus 31-33; Matthew 22:1-22