August 18

Today's Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-18

As we noted earlier, Nehemiah led the fourth group of exiles back to Jerusalem in 444 BC and led the rebuilding of the city walls. With the project to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem complete, the community turns to the task of renewing their commitment to Yahweh. The events of chapters 8–9 begin about a week after the rebuilding was completed and take place over the span of 24 days.

We can learn a lot about worship from this chapter:

• It was centered around the reading and teaching of God's Word
• The people mourned over their sin that was revealed by God's Word
• The people rejoiced because of their deeper understanding of God's Word
• The people applied what they had learned

Although it is up to the pastors and worship team to create an atmosphere where all those elements can occur, all of us play an important part in making sure we worship like that. What do you do each week to prepare for God to speak to you through His Word when we gather? Are you applying what you learn in your life?