The Word penetrates hearts and equips students. In this passage, Nehemiah and his team unleash the law of the Lord and people are wrecked by it. He stands on an elevated platform accompanied by godly men and the crowd stands with him as the Word is read. It is out of the conviction to replicate this very scene that many churches have their congregations rise for the reading of a sermon’s Scripture. Note these beautiful aspects of the text as you prepare to bring session 10 to your students:
- Nehemiah brought the Word of God and the crowd gathered. They listened from dawn to noon (verse 3)!
- He and his team spoke in a way that was understood (vv. 3,8).
- He stood on an elevated platform (verse 4). Some godly craftsmen fashioned this platform: what an admirable ministry. This is a biblical inspiration for the pulpit.
- To stand on such a platform, a teacher and his or her fellow leaders must have integrity like the godly men listed here (verse 5).
- Ezra’s message brought glory to God (verse 6).
- It inspired the crowd to worship (verse 6).
After hearing this deeply convicting message from the Word, everyone feasted and celebrated together according to verse 12. So, having an amazing lunch with your family and fellow church members after being blessed and convicted by the Word is an ancient tradition of the church! Be blessed in your time of preparation. Feel the weight of responsibility as the one on the platform, in a sense, before your group. Let the Word be understood, the Lord be glorified, and let your students praise God by your session’s end. Then, eat!