Nehemiah’s Water Gate

So how can the people of God renew their covenant relationship with God again?

Revival. Revival is defined as a renewed interest and passion for God and the things of God after a period of indifference and apathy. Revival is not for the unbeliever, because you can’t revive someone who is dead. Ephesians 2:1 (NLT) 2 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. Ephesians 2:1 (VOICE) 2 As for you, don’t you remember how you used to just exist? Corpses, dead in life, buried by transgressions,

Nehemiah 8 (VOICE) 8 1 When everyone had settled, they re-gathered in Jerusalem. Everyone met in the square that is in front of the water gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the book of the law, the word the Eternal sent through Moses to Israel.

Psa. 119:9 says, “How can a young man cleanse his way Psa. 119:9 says, “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.” John 15:3 says, “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.”

2 Ezra the priest did as they asked, bringing God’s law to Israel 2 Ezra the priest did as they asked, bringing God’s law to Israel. The community included both men and women—anyone who was able to understand was welcomed. This gathering took place on the first day of the seventh month.

3 Facing the people in the square, next to the water gate, he began to read excerpts. The document was massive, and just reading parts took him six or seven hours, from daybreak until noon. Everyone who was there heard him: men, women—anyone with the ability to understand. As he read, they were focused and listened carefully to the book of the law.

4 And as he read, Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform made for this very occasion. To his right were Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah. To his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam. 5 Standing above the people so they could see and hear him, Ezra opened the book of the law. As he opened the book, everyone stood. (It was a sign of respect to the authority of God’s Word.)

6 Then Ezra called out and blessed the Eternal, worshiping God’s greatness. With their hands raised to the heavens, the people called out loudly in response, crying, “Amen! So may it be!” Then they fell to their knees and bowed. With their faces to the ground, they worshiped the Eternal. 7-8 Ezra read the law, the people listened, and the Levites explained it to them. Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—these are the Levites who interpreted what Ezra read for the people.

We saw in Neh. 8:1. These people were hungry for the Word of God We saw in Neh. 8:1. These people were hungry for the Word of God. They stood for several hours to hear it! And that was just the first day! This would go on for an entire week! They had an appetite for God’s Word? How is your appetite? Do you search for meaning or just read the words?

Job 23:12 12 ... I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

Diary of a Bible

January 15. Been resting for a week January 15. Been resting for a week. A few nights after the first of the year, my owner opened me, but no more. Another New Year’s resolution gone wrong. February 3. Owner picked me up and rushed off to Sunday school.

February 23. Cleaning day. Dusted and put back in my place.

April 2. Busy day. Owner had to present the lesson at a church meeting April 2. Busy day. Owner had to present the lesson at a church meeting. Quickly looked up a lot of references.

May 5. Grandma’s in town. Back in her lap. A very comfortable place. May 9. She let a tear fall on John 14.

May 10. Grandma’s gone. Back in my old place again.

May 20. Baby born. They wrote his name on one of my pages.

July 1. Packed in a suitcase. Off for a vacation.

July 20. Still in the suitcase. Everything else taken out.

July 25. Home again. Quite a journey, though I don’t see why I went.

• August 16. Dusted again and put in a prominent place • August 16. Dusted again and put in a prominent place. The minister is to be here for dinner.

August 20. Owner Grandma’s death in the Family Record August 20. Owner Grandma’s death in the Family Record. He left his extra pair of glasses between my pages.

December 31. Owner just found his glasses December 31. Owner just found his glasses. Wonder if he will make any resolutions about me for the new year?

What story would your Bible tell?

9 Now, as God’s law was read, the people began to weep 9 Now, as God’s law was read, the people began to weep. But Nehemiah (the Persians’ appointed governor), Ezra the priest and scribe, and all the ministering Levites said to the people, Leaders: This day is sacred to the Eternal One, your God. It is not a day for mourning and weeping.

Ezra: 10 Go back to your homes, and prepare a feast Ezra: 10 Go back to your homes, and prepare a feast. Bring out the best food and drink you have, and welcome all to your table, especially those who have nothing. This day is special. It is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve over your past mistakes. Let the Eternal’s own joy be your protection! Levites: 11 Be still. This is sacred time and space. Do not mourn.

12 Then the celebration really began 12 Then the celebration really began. The people had heard God’s words and understood them. When the people went away to eat and to drink in their homes, no one was left out of the feasting, not even the poor.

The Joy of the Lord Is Your Strength – Andy Cook REMEMBERED -- Jon M The Joy of the Lord Is Your Strength – Andy Cook REMEMBERED -- Jon M. Walton Spiritual Renewal – Steven Cole It’s Not About the Wall – Jerry Shirley A Recipe for Revival – Robin Koshy