Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 (NRSV)
Read Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 8all the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. Verse 2Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. Verse 3He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. Verse 5And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Verse 6Then Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, "Amen, Amen," lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. Verse 8So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.
Verse 9And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep." For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Verse 10Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Devotion
During Epiphany, we recognize that Christ is the light of the entire world. Therefore, it’s a fitting time to observe the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. In the U.S., the week begins with Martin Luther King Day and recognition of King’s faithful mission to end racial inequality and build unity among all people. Through this week’s texts, we will explore how we, like the Rev. Dr. King, Jr., can live out our prayers for unity through actions.
Perhaps, our recent Christmas prayers and celebrations included actions of charitable donations. God has always called us to share. Ezra and the Levites reminded the Israelites that their holy festival should include sharing with “those for whom nothing is prepared” (v. 10), which included people living in poverty and immigrants. Our Epiphany journey of spiritual growth and quest for unity is incomplete without faithful sharing of God’s graciously provided gifts with our neighbors.
Prayer
Gracious Giver, remind us that our worship of you must include care for our neighbors. Please grant that through our sharing we will gain greater unity with each other. Amen.