“Good Listeners”

They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read. Nehemiah 8:8

Meditation:

The principles in the Scriptures teach us the way to live holy lives. But in order to receive God’s instructions, we must learn how to hear Him speak through His Word. In the days of Nehemiah, the Israelites who helped to rebuild Jerusalem were good listeners. After working together to restore the city wall, they asked Ezra to read to them from the scrolls containing God’s laws. The reading lasted for hours, during which time the people stood and listened intently as the scribe read. They had come together, intent on learning about God’s character and determined to follow His plan. For this reason, the Levites translated it … "making it clear and giving meaning so that the people understood the reading" (Nehemiah 8:8). Understanding what pleases the Lord is essential so we can obey His plan. That means we must be good listeners and develop a greater, attentiveness and zeal for Him, so that when we hear his word being preached, we will be filled with the desire to hear it. As we learn, we should be prepared not only to share the Word with others but also to explain it so they, too, can know God and obey.

The voice of God might be coming from places we don’t expect. As seekers of God’s holy way, we must constantly keep our ears open to his word, whether it comes from a church leader or from a child. At the same time, we must stay vigilant and use judgment to make sure that what we are hearing is not from someone trying to deceive us and lead us away from God’s plan.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father helps us to be good listeners, and understand the Bible. Also to continue sharing the “Good News of Salvation”, Jesus’ Gospel, with words and actions, in name of Jesus, we pray your will be done. Amen!