April 21, 2020

BIBLE READING: Nehemiah 8

“And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.”
‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭8:1-3‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

‭‭Before the social distancing, Facebook had done a big push to promote their Facebook groups. This is a variety of groups who have various interests and hobbies like car groups or running groups. We naturally want to be with others who have the same interest to talk all about it. Even though we haven’t been able to meet for church in person, it has been neat to see how we still have been able to be in contact and communicate as a church; whether it’s live stream, social media, call, email, or text. Here in our passage today, the people of Jerusalem have gathered themselves together as the Bible says “as one man” to hear the Word of God. Though there was a variety classes and trades, the one common interest was their desire to hear the Law. First, they were united in their work. Second, they were united in their worship. Because the work was accomplished through everyone doing their part in following the Lord, the people wanted to go straight back to God. Plus they wanted to be there as long as possible to hear the Word of the Lord. How neat is that! The common interest we have as a Christian is the Lord Jesus Christ. We can be united in worship to God. We can be united in our goal to witness. We can be united in the love of His Word. Though we have social distancing right now, through other means we can still encourage each other and work together as a church to uplift Christ today!‬‬‬‬
David Fulp II