Month: February 2022

1 Peter 4:12-19, NKJV

Apostle Peter begins this passage by reminding us that believers will suffer. More importantly is our response.

Here Peter tenderly addressed children of God as “beloved”. They were scattered throughout Asia Minor and facing persecution for believing in Jesus. He commanded them to not think the fiery trial which was to prove them, was something unusual happening to them (v.12). This was a test of their faith. Though they’d be distressed by various trials for a little while, they were “to count it all joy” (James 1:2). Yes, they were “to rejoice to the extent that they partake of Christ’s sufferings” (v.13). They were suffering so Peter   encouraged them to keep rejoicing. Rejoice in your suffering, and “when His glory is revealed, they may also be glad with exceeding joy” (v.13).

Again the apostle told these believers that their response to suffering was important. No matter what their circumstances were if they were reproached [insulted or reviled] for the name of Christ, they were blessed. Because they were believers, the Spirit of glory and of God rested on them, indwelling them; therefore, others blasphemed Him, but they glorified Him (v.14). Matthew 5:16 says to “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Peter commanded that “none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody [meddler] in other people’s matters” (v.15). “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this name (Christian)” (v.16). As believers, we aren’t looking for persecution, but when we are, we are not to be ashamed.

Share the sufferings of Christ, remembering that the sincerity of “your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7).

Nehemiah 8:10-12, NKJV

Children of God should always rejoice in the Lord for He is good. Instead of sorrowing over our past sins, we are to think on all God’s goodness. He has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness according to His divine power (2 Peter 1:3, paraphrased). Therefore, we should celebrate Him. That’s what He wanted the Israelites to do; they repented of their sins, He forgave them immediately, and they were encouraged to rejoice. He demands the same of us today.

Nehemiah told them to “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (V.10).  And all the people went their way to enjoy all the delicious food and drink. They did as requested and sent portions to those for whom nothing was prepared so everyone would be a part of this celebration. This is a prime example for us to remember that giving is an important part of all believers’ responsibility. The verse goes on to say “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Joy is fruit of the Holy Spirit. It is our strength – our power – given us to help us endure difficult times in our life. Those times when we want to cry, we are encouraged to recall the birth of that great joy, Jesus, the angel announced to the shepherds that Christmas morning (Luke 2:10) so long ago. That will surely keep us going.

These Israelites had much in which to rejoice. God had allowed them to return to their homeland, rebuild the altar for making sacrifices to Him and the temple for their place of worship (Ezra 3; 6:13-18). He also allowed them to complete the walls of Jerusalem so they would have protection from their enemies (Nehemiah 6:15-16). Like the Israelites we will face opposition from our enemies, but we must forgive them so our Father will forgive us. So give God glory! Let’s be faithful to Him daily: repent, forgive, and rejoice.

Nehemiah 8:9

Hearing God’s Word is a blessing for all people. Yet we are not to be deceived for according to James 1:22 we are to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”  The Babylonian captives were allowed to return to homeland after seventy years in exile. They rebuilt the Temple for worship, and the walls of the city for protection, but their souls were in need of spiritual repair. They needed God’s Word to replenish their souls. So on the first day of the seventh month, as the Lord had commanded in the book of the Law, they gathered in the city of Jerusalem for a holy convocation (Ezra 3:1); it was a day of blowing the trumpets (Numbers 29:1). Ezra and others read and taught them the Word of God with understanding. The time comes when we must realize that we need His Word to build us up. Today we have an advantage over the Israelites; we have options for hearing the Word of God. Not only does the pastor read it aloud, but there are worship leaders that are appointed to read the Word aloud during service, and others that are appointed as readers during Bible study, church school, and etc. Also we can listen to the scripture being read aloud by audio on our electronic devices: phones, radio, televisions, CD’s, computers, and on social media such as face book, and etc.

And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law (v.9). Yes, they were convicted by God’s Word; they saw how sinful and disobedient they had been to Him and started crying. It’s good for us to see ourselves in God’s Word and be sorry about how we have mistreated Him when all He’s done is been good to us. Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites, however, commanded the people not to mourn nor weep because “This day is holy to the Lord your God.” Give Him glory for all He has done.

Nehemiah 8:1-8, NKJV

After about seventy years of Babylonian captivity, God opened the way for the Israelite exiles return to their homeland in Jerusalem. This passage begins with “all the people gathered together as one man” (v.1). How awesome it was that the congregation was unified! God expects no less than oneness from His children. They have gathered in this great open square in front of the Water Gate to hear Ezra read and teach the word of God as requested. They made this request of Ezra because it was his duty as the priest to teach them the word. These people recognized their need for God’s word. His word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Thirteen ministers stood on a pulpit made for this purpose, helping Ezra minister God’s Word. The congregation stood up and listened attentively for six hours to hear “the book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel.” Yes, that’s right; they stood and listened attentively from daybreak to noon.

 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. The “Biblical Cyclopedic Index” of The Open Bible (NKJV) says the Hebrew word translated bless means “to kneel” or literally “to bless”. This indicates an act of adoration sometimes on bended knee in worship. Ezra’s prayer of blessing demonstrated his reverence and praise for God. Rather or not we are on our knees, we are to honor the Lord for He is worthy of more honor than we can ever bestow on Him. As children of God, we are to “bless the Lord at all times.” After Ezra blessed, or praised the Lord, the people responded, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground (v.6). The people stood in their place as the Levites read distinctly from the Law of God, helping translate the word of God into language the people could understand (vv. 7-8).  

Let us be mindful of our attitude when we come to worship service. Is our attitude the right attitude? Are we focused on God, desiring to hear His word? That’s the attitude we should have, and if not, then let’s check ourselves.