And all the people went their way … to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.

Nehemiah 8:12

Spring arrives with reasons for great rejoicing — Easter and Pentecost, warmer weather and longer days. In today’s verse, it may not have been spring, but God’s people were filled with great rejoicing.

Nehemiah records a day when the people assembled to hear Ezra read aloud from the Book of the Law of Moses (God’s Word). Other leaders explained the words, “so that the people understood the reading” (Nehemiah 8:8b). At first, people grieved over their failings, but Nehemiah assured them that their holy God loved them. Today, we still need to understand God’s Word, so that we don’t grieve over failure to keep God’s Law but rejoice over God’s grace. “And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10b).

Marj Maynard
Pipe Creek, TX

Lord, send Your Spirit to help me understand and rejoice over Your Word. Amen.

Reflect: Find joy for the journey as you grow in understanding God’s Word.

Read: Psalm 118:24 and Acts 13:44-49