Day One

Psalm 82, Exodus 27:1-19, Nehemiah 8 and 1 Corinthians 1:1-17

When you purchase an ESV Study Bible, you are given an unlock code so that you can access the ESV Study Bible online. There you will find everything that is in the Bible, plus a section for you to add your own notes from your personal study. I love this feature! I have terrible handwriting, so whenever I try to write in my Bible, I find that I can't read what I've written when I go back later. This is a tool that I'll use throughout this study. Here are the notes that I added to my ESV Study Bible online, from the passages that I read today:

Ps. 82:3-4 Here is a description of what true government should accomplish - give justice to the week and fatherless; look out for those who can' t look out for themselves (the afflicted and the destitute), to rescue the weak and needy by delivering them from the hand of the wicked. A modern day example of this is what The International Justice Mission is doing to free women and children from indentured slavery or prostitution.

Neh. 8:1-3 Can you imagine what it would have been like? You own no copy of Holy Scripture. Chances are you may not even know how to read. The reading of the Law of Moses, that which the Israelites considered to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life was a sacred moment. With rapt attention and fascination the men and women, and "those who could understand" (probably children) listened as Ezra read the law. He read from it from early morning until midday. What a beautiful picture!

Neh. 8:6 the people answered, "Amen, Amen," lifting up their hands - I know a godly man who is well into his 90's. He grew up in a lively church where the pastor would often times shout, "Hallelujah! Praise Jesus!" in teh middle of his sermon. Today, this dear man has trouble staying awake through an entire service. His 90+ years have taken their toll. He'll often times ask me, "Couldn't you just throw in a 'Hallelujah! Praise Jesus!' in your message? It would keep me awake!" He wants to be an active participant in worship.

The Children of Israel were active participants in the reading of God's Word. They responded to the reading of the law by saying, "Amen," which means "So be it." They agreed with the words that were being read. May we receive it the same way.

Neh. 8:7-8 the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places. Who are some of the people in your life that you are most grateful for? As a Christian, I'm grateful for the people that God has brought my way that have helped me understand the Scriptures, and understand Him better. When Ezra read the law, there were thirteen Levites who were mixed amongst the crowd who made sure that what Ezra was reading was understood. I love that God saw fit to include their names in the book of Nehemiah. These must have been cherished people, for they helped make what Ezra was reading become alive. It was almost as if Ezra was the pastor reading the text and these men were the small group leaders, making sure that the text was understood.

Neh. 8:9-12 Can you imagine that conviction that the Children of Israel must have felt? Sure you can. When we read God's Word, many times were come face to face with our own depravity in the midst of God's holiness. That is what is so beautiful about the words of this passage. Nehemiah and Ezra encouraged the people to take joy in the Lord. This, the day of the reading of the Law, was not a day for mourning but for rejoicing. God had opened the door for forgiveness. By exposing the people to their sin, they were now able to see clearly, confess their sin, and move forward in their relationship with a loving God. As God showered them with mercy, they were also encouraged to be merciful, and share of their blessings with those who had nothing ready to celebrate with.

Neh. 8:17 for from the days of Jeshua the son of Nun to that day the people of Israel had not done so - the Feast of Booths is the same as the Feast of Tabernacles. It was in Nehemiah 8 that this truly became the most celebratory of the Jewish festivals. To this day Jewish people celebrate this festival by making Sukkot tents. The tents are made in such a way that there is an opening in the roof. The people can see the stars at night and remember the wilderness wanderings of their ancestors. It is a reminder of God's great provision. It reminds the people of the mercy of God. The festival had been re-discovered by the Jewish people in Nehemiah 8, and it would be a part of the celebration of the Jewish people from that year forward. One other note - notice that the Law of Moses was read over the seven days of the festival. On the eighth day there was a solemn assembly. This reminds me of revival weeks that churches in America used to hold on regular occasions.

1 Cor. 1:10-17 Paul begins his letter in the normal way that he does, by giving thanks for the church in Corinth, and by giving a greeting. But, Paul is quick to the point. He is not happy about the divisions that have arisen in the church. And rightfully so. Unity in the church is one of the things that Christ is most passionate about. He prayed that His children would be unified. He wants the church to be known for their love for one another. That is hardly what Paul was seeing in the Corinthian church.