National Religion

 

    When a nation is united on the main religion of society, it tends to be united as a nation.  When a nation chooses to follow God, then it becomes powerful in a more in depth way.  But, how can it work if the people do not know what the foundation of what they claim to believe is?  You have to know why you are following God for it to have power.  You have to know what He expects to be able to follow according to His standards.

    Nehemiah had been in Jerusalem for seven months.  The city had it's wall and the doors to keep society safe.  The people had completed their homes, so that the nation was settling into their lives.  This leaves a small window to make God a part of your daily lives.  Once the routine is set, it is hard to make changes.

    Nehemiah understood the sensitive nature of people, religion, and time.  He called for everyone to convene, so that they could hear Ezra read the Law of Moses.  Ezra read from dawn to noon while everyone listened attentively.  I think it may have been because it was the first time most had ever heard the Word.  Plus, the Holy Spirit was there doing His thing and working in the heart of the nation.

    It was time of worship for the nation.  The Levites educated the people on what the Law of God meant and how to follow it.   It is understanding that gives the Word power in your life.  When the people understood what God expected and evaluated their own lives, they discovered how far from His will they were living and they mourned.  

    This was supposed to be a time of celebration, so Nehemiah pointed out that they can start fresh.  They can make the needed changes, but for now find strength in the joy of God.  Being Holy is not to be grieving, but finding joy in all situations.  Understanding God's Word is to be celebrated.  It is the Holy Spirit that provides understanding.

    The next day the nation went out into the city building booths.  They could stay in the booths to listen to God's Word until it was completed.  They stayed there for eight days learning and growing spiritually.  It was a time of of worship, celebration, and unity for the nation.   They didn't focus on where they went wrong, but how to move forward.

    We can't expect people to understand us or behave like a Christian if we are not willing to educate them where they are.  Some may know the Bible, but most will not and that includes people that claim to be Christians too.  We can't act superior.  We have to meet people where they and help them to move forward.

Nehemiah 8