Friday 9 September 2016

Amen and amen

And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God.
Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.  Nehemiah 8.6

How were the people going to respond to the reading of the word of God? What would they do?

I think before we look there we ought to ask ourselves how we respond to the word of God. What happens when we read it or hear it read? Sadly, for some who are been saved a long time there can be a temptation to click off and say ‘oh yeah, I know that passage. I’ve heard that a dozen times.’

Remember, Ezra had simply read the word of God to the people and blessed the Lord. Look what happened next.

The people lifted up their hands and said ‘Amen! Amen!’ So be it, I agree, yes, let it be!!’
The bowed they heads in worship with their faces toward the ground.

What happened here? The people gave their whole-hearted support. The people lifted up their hands in praise. Then worshipped God in humility and couldn't even lift their heads in the presence of the glory of God.

And all this – just because the Bible was read out loud.

When is the last time the word of God affected you and me that way? How often does a simple reading of the Bible elicit praise, humility, and worship?

Oh let's open our hearts when we read or hear God’s word. Let's remember that it is God speaking – and respond accordingly.

No comments: