S) "7 Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, explained the law to the people while the people remained in their place. 8 They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading."
Nehemiah 8:7-8 (NASB)
O) Nehemiah has completed his first task: rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. However, his work is only half done. Now, he had set out to reestablish the sanctity, holiness, and devotion of the people. After assembling everyone, Ezra the priest-scribe read from the Law for several hours in the morning (v.3), and then there was corporate worship (v.6), before they broke up into small groups... Okay, so maybe not quite small group breakout sessions (considering the numbers involved), but the verses above show a vital part of serving the LORD, and the need for community. There was a unified group of leaders who translated (interpreted, explained) the law of God, so that it was applicable to the masses.
A) There is a sort of checks-and-balances system that God puts in place, to keep His words clear. While prophecy is God speaking through an individual with unprecedented words of admonishment or encouragement, the Bible is the established, true word of God. However, there certainly portions of Scripture that can be difficult to digest, understand, and apply to my life. This is why it is vital that I am seeking the wisdom and knowledge of other believers. At the same time, the unity of the Holy Spirit assures me a level of authenticity to Scripture interpretation. That doesn't mean that everyone agrees on every biblical principle and passage, but it does give a level of safety. When a teaching is suddenly presented, which is drastically different than the established understanding, it correctly alarms me that the teaching is very, very likely to be ungodly. Ultimately, I still need to rely on the Holy Spirit within me, to fully and correctly read Scripture, but the confirmation of many leaders, all in agreement, about biblical truths, is vital to prevent getting things twisted.
P) Father, thank You for speaking into my life. You are the Almighty Creator, Maker of Heaven and Earth. You are immeasurably big, in Your knowledge, power, understanding, attention, and sovereignty, and yet You care enough about me as an individual, that You refuse to leave me alone. Thank You for Your written word, that I don't have to guess about who You are, or what Your characteristics are, since You've established them by the Holy Bible. Let me continue to study the wise men and women who have gone before me, in understanding who You are biblically, and what Your will is biblically. Help me to draw comfort and confirmation from the testimony, agreement, and disciplines of the myriad men and women who have studied, tested, and proven Your holy words before me. Open my eyes and ears to the Holy Spirit, though, to test every teaching I encounter, never blindly accepting the teaching of any human, as I remember that humans are always fallible. But, let me submit to the authorities of the leadership You have established over me, especially and specifically within my church body. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment