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1 all the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. 2 Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. 3 He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. 5 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. 6 Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, "Amen, Amen," lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. 8 So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. 9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and 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 or weep." For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." (Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 NRSV)
Dear Friend, may the strength of the Lord be what makes you happy today and all days. Today's passage will bring us strength; strength to live right and to do right. As we pray today, please continue to pray for baby Karson, and add the name of Mrs. Donna Hisey as today she undergoes total knee replacement. Pray for a successful surgery that God guide the hands of the surgeon and all who attend to her; prayers for her husband, Dr. Commie Hisey as well. And pray for the needs you've been facing.
Most of us have been fortunate in having had a church home where we were trained in the teachings of the Lord. We ate the cookies and enjoyed the punch, usually Hawaiian Punch or red Kool-Aid. We sang in the kids choir and wore our bath robes in church pageants. We learned to pray and we heard the standard Bible stories. Some of us were uprooted from those first church homes, but God blessed us with a new one, where the foundational teachings were continued. Most of us were given our own personal Bibles either by our parents or in third grade by our church home. Some of us even learned to read them. Not so with the people of Israel in this story. They had been carried off as prisoners of war and saw or heard of the destruction of their church home. This was a special day in which the word of God was brought back to them again, and they were truly and deeply blessed.
The story we just heard is one of profound revelation, and in many ways, it mirrors the epiphany theme we celebrate during this season. Just as the Magi came to witness the light of Christ revealed to the world, the people of Israel gathered in Jerusalem for a spiritual awakening. After a period of exile, they were rediscovering the importance of God's Word and the joy that it brings. The reading of the Book of the Law by Ezra reveals a powerful moment of awakening—a moment where the people’s hearts and minds are opened to the living Word of God.
In the passage, the people are attentive, and the atmosphere is charged with reverence. As Ezra unrolls the scroll of the law, he not only reads but also explains its meaning, ensuring the people understand God's intentions for them. The people's response is profound: they weep at the realization of how far they have fallen from God’s commandments. They experience deep sorrow at their past mistakes. But Ezra, along with Nehemiah and the Levites, encourages them not to mourn excessively, for this is not a time for grieving but for celebrating the gift of God’s Word, which offers strength, joy, and restoration.
The epiphany in this moment is twofold: The people now understood that the revelation of God's Word was intended to be a light for the people's lives. They also learned that the call to joy and celebration because God's Word brings healing and strength, even after a time of brokenness and exile.
Ezra’s declaration, “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10), is a timeless truth. While it is natural to grieve over past mistakes or losses, the revelation of God’s Word calls us to experience joy—not because of our own righteousness, but because of God’s grace. The joy that comes from understanding His Word brings strength to carry us forward into new life, even when we face difficulties.
As we reflect on this passage during the Epiphany season, we are reminded that Christ's light has been revealed to us, not only in His birth but through His Word, which continues to speak to us today. Just as the people of Israel gathered to hear the Law, we too are invited into a deeper understanding of God’s revelation in Jesus Christ.
Like them, we too must listen attentively to the Word, allow it to convict and comfort us, and then live out the joy and strength it provides. The epiphany of Christ’s light leads us to a joyful response—a celebration of God’s grace, and a call to share that joy with others.
PRAYER: Loving Awesome God, we thank You for the revelation of Your Word, which shines as a light in our lives. Like the people of Israel who gathered to hear the law read, we open our hearts to receive Your truth today. May Your Word fill us with understanding and conviction, and may we be filled with the joy that comes from knowing You. Help us to embrace the strength You give us through Your Word and to share that joy with those around us. We pray that we may be faithful to walk in the light of Your revelation and be transformed by Your grace. In the name of Jesus, the Light of the World, we pray. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. OUR CALL TO ACTION: Take a moment today to read a passage from God’s Word—whether it’s a scripture that’s familiar to you or one you’ve never considered before. Ask God to reveal His truth to you through it, and reflect on how you can apply it in your life. Allow His Word to be a source of joy and strength, and share that joy with someone who might need encouragement today. As you do, remember that God's Word is always alive, always revealing His love, and always calling us into deeper relationship with Him.
Remember, the joy of the Lord is your strength! I love you and I thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
