June 19, 2024

Ezra, now mentioned in the book of Nehemiah, brought out the book of the law to read to the men, women, and children who could understand. The people had built a platform for him to stand on so they could see him above the people. Other men were standing with him; it may have been to validate them as teachers. There were many people, so they would need other teachers to help explain what they were hearing. When he began to read, the people stood up in reverence for the word of God. If your preacher requests that you stand for the reading of the scriptures, this portion of scripture is why. As he read the law, the people became sorrowful of the sins they had committed. However, Ezra reminded them that at this time, they were to be joyful during this feast. It was the first time since Joshua that the people of Israel had celebrated the appointed feast in such solemnity. As Ezra, the priest, read the scripture, the people stood, raised their hands, and said amen and amen. Nehemiah and the others taught the people that day. 

On the second day they read in the law that they were to dwell in booths, so the people gathered branches and other material to build temporary dwellings in the street, on roofs, and anywhere they could find a spot. They read the book of the law everyday for seven days. On the last day they had a solemn assembly. 

I have yet to understand why we, as Christians, are not taught to keep God’s holy feasts. It would be better for us to erase all the other holidays and begin celebrating what God has designed for us. I believe our blessings would multiply, and our understanding of their point would increase. Jesus kept them. Adopted children follow the traditions of the family. Because we believe in Jesus, we are grafted into the family, adopted, and should, therefore, do as our family does. We are missing a blessing. How do we start? It may need to begin individually. Pay attention to the seasons and the holy feast. At the very least, acknowledge them to glorify God. How do you know when they are? Follow a Messianic Jewish calendar. 

Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner. Nehemiah 8:18