We live in trying times. In some ways we hear more about bad news because of certain technology that is available to us. In other ways we hear more about bad news because of the direction our country has gone. Because of sin, we live in a bad news world. Were it not for the gospel of grace then this would be the only news we would have.
This is why the proclaiming of the Word of God is central to any revival, renewal, and reformation. Where the pulpit goes the pew goes. Having a low view and priority of the Word of God leads to our own demise. It would be wise for us to heed what happened in Nehemiah 8.
In Nehemiah, the people of Israel have returned from Exile. Life wasn’t the same. The people had lost many of the visible signs that they were the people of God — including the Temple. And even though they were seeking to rebuild the walls and the Temple it would not be the same. Nevertheless, they did have that which, above all, made them the people of God — The Word of God. As the people of God gathered around the Word of God the people of God were transformed by the Word of God. As the Puritan William Gurnall said, “The Christian is bred by the Word, and he must be fed by it.” This is why we should heed the biblical principles that we see in Nehemiah 8 if we are to see any reformation today.
Gathering around the Word of God (v1).
The people requested to hear the Word of God and they knew they needed a teacher. That is why they summoned Ezra. If they were going to see any reformation then it would be from gathering around the Word of God. This is nothing short of prioritizing Corporate Worship. How can we expect people to grow if they are not gathering around the Word of God? Martin Luther used to tell his people that his counseling would do them no good if they weren’t consistently attending corporate worship.Sitting under the Word of God (v2-4).
Notice the positioning of the people. This was not a time when the people looked at each other saying what they thought the Word was saying. Rather than them prioritizing their interpretation of the Word they sought the Word to be over them. We live in a day where experience is King. I am my story and that is what is most authoritative in my life. Therefore, if I am going to grow then I need to pay most attention to my story rather than the Word of God. As I talk with people, it is disheartening to hear people elevate their desires and their experiences over and against the Word of God. The people of Israel knew they needed to sit under the Word. The Word of God is the Word of God. God has no rivals. God submits to no authority. God is the Sovereign. We can be sure to see fruit in our lives when we repent by putting ourselves underneath the Word of God.Reading the Word of God (v3).
We believe that “the Holy Scriptures are to be read with a high and reverent esteem” (WLC 157). Why are they to be read that way? Because it is God’s Word. The reading of the Word of God is the speaking of God. Do you want to hear God speak? Read the Bible! See how the people didn’t seek for alternative ways. They knew that God was speaking through His Word. Reading the Word of God is made effectual for all parts our salvation (not just for conversion). When we neglect reading God’s Word privately and publicly then we neglect our own salvation.Prioritizing the preaching of the Word of God (v2-4).
It was not just the reading of God’s Word but also the preaching of God’s Word. The Reformer Heinrich Bullinger asserted, “The preaching of the Word of God is the Word of God. Therefore when this Word of God is now preached in the church by preachers lawfully called, we believe that the very word of God is preached, and received by the faithful” (The Second Helvetic Confession, 1566). How can we expect to have reformation today when we preach less sermons and shorter sermons? To be sure, let’s not wear our people out. Yet, shouldn’t the preaching of the Word of God have our greatest efforts? This is what the people of Israel dedicated themselves to and this is what we ought to dedicate ourselves to.Encouraging others to hear the Word of God (v1-8).
Notice how the people brought others to hear the Word. This was not for a select few. This was inclusive. This was evangelistic. This was missional. They saw the means of grace being their philosophy of ministry. Reformation begins to happen simply by inviting friends and family, co-workers and neighbors, young and old to hear the Word of God.Seeking to understand the Word of God (v2-3, 8).
It wasn’t enough for them to simply read the Word and then put it down. They sought to know it by heart. They wanted to be gripped by the Word. They sought to understand it. Like the Bereans in Acts 17, we ought to be those who labor over the Word. Surely there is no greater beauty than the gospel. If so, let’s labor to know it more!Emphasizing the Covenant Keeper as proclaimed in the Word of God (v6).
God was central to the reading and proclamation of the Word. This was not a man-centered Word although it had everything to do with Man. The primary focus was on God as the Keeper of the Covenant of Grace. The Covenant God who would bring about the Messiah. This was not focused on “10 Ways To Improve Your Bank Account”. This was not a sermon on “8 Strategies To Have A Better Reputation”. This was packed with the glory of God. We will not see reformation as long as we continue to make things about us. We can tack on Christian terms, mention the name of Jesus, and use doctrinal words. But, when we put the primary emphasis on us and what we should do then it is not biblical. The Bible is God’s Word. Let’s make everything about Him.Responding with worship to the preaching of the Word of God (v6).
The reading and preaching of the Word of God is not something you can take or leave. It demands a response. It is not simply an invitation; it is a command. God demands our worship. The people didn’t think of only music as being worship. They saw that worship happened in the reading and preaching of God’s Word. Not only did worship happen during the reading and preaching of God’s Word but it also overflowed from the reading and preaching of God’s Word. We cannot expect to create worshippers where there is no reading and preaching of God’s Word.Equipping others to disciple people with the Word of God (v6-8).
See that there were those who went out to the people and followed up with discipleship. Although the public reading and preaching of God’s Word was central it was not the only thing. Leaders were raised up to then go forth and disciple others. We must seek to disciple people who will go and disciple others. We must locate men and women who we can train up to go and disciple other men and women.Following up with teaching the Word of God (v7-8).
And as these leaders went to the people they discipled them. They took time to teach, illustrate, and apply the text. They answered questions. They “did life together”. The made it individual and personal. Reformation will happen when we follow up the preaching of the Word of God with the personal discipleship around the Word of God.