Feasting on God’s Word

by Heather Tietz

They read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading.

Nehemiah 8:8

It was the Feast of Trumpets, Rosh Hashana, when Nehemiah 8 begins. The Israel people had long overlooked the reading of the Scriptures in their celebration. But on this day, on their New Year, Ezra revived this ritual.

The reading was held in the street beside the temple so that all the people has space to stand. For six hours, the priests carefully read the law of Moses, translated it into the people’s common language and made sure that God’s words were clear to all. It had been so long since the people had heard God’s law that they stood astonished. Now aware of what wrongs their community was guilty of, they wept.

How about you? Do God’s words move you? Do you capture the encouragement, the reprimand, or the mission they have for you each time you read them? God’s Word is a feast. It has something to offer each time you open it. Don’t miss out. Look for a morsel. Look for a main dish. Chew on it throughout your day. Let it grow you.