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Word from Nairnshire
by Sandy Shaw
Will we ever again see anything like this?
At the precise right moment Ezra the priest stepped onto centre stage in Jerusalem, with the entire population requesting that Ezra reads the Word of God to them.
The broken down wall had been rebuilt, but these people knew that more was needed than a restored strong protective wall.
For five or six hours they listened attentively.
This was not arranged by Ezra or Nehemiah. It was not laid on from the top.
A special platform was constructed for the people to hear without difficulty, and Ezra brought his copy of the Scriptures.
What happened when the Word was heard and explained? The attentive crowd repented.
It became emotional for a time as tears flowed. There is nothing wrong with that. The Word of God can bring powerful emotions to the surface as personal and corporate sin is recognised, but they were not to remain emotional.
If emotion continues for too long people can become introspective and centre on self.
It is not our mourning or repenting that takes away our sin, but the blood of Jesus Christ shed on the cross.
Three elements should be present when the Word of God is preached. Inform the mind. Stir the emotions. Bend the will. Balance is the consequence.
Having forgotten to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, the people corrected that omission, and next day they returned for more of the Word of God.
For eight days there were daily Bible Studies and those listening were becoming wiser, as they heard and understood what God had said and was saying.
This is revival in the fullest sense.
Our current economic crisis could recover comparatively quickly by employing Ezra’s example and methods to correct various serious errors.
Sandy Shaw
Nairn Christian Fellowship
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Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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