This Sunday we come to the final Story of the Old Testament. For 21 weeks we have been walking with God’s people throughout their history. We have seen how God has continued to work in The Story to bring about redemptive love to a rebellious and sinful people. As the story of Nehemiah and rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem ends this week, we move into a time of silence. At the end of the Old Testament there is a period of 400 years often referred to as “the silent years.” Years without any prophets or leaders whose words were recorded in our Scripture. Years where there was no voice from God recorded in the text we use.
But before the silence, Ezra read the word of God to the people. His desire was that they rebuild the wall around Jerusalem for protection. And God’s greater desire was to rebuild the hearts of the people. The men, women, and children gathered together. They heard the word. They understood the word. And then they did the word.
You can hear God’s voice in the same way these people did. Through God’s word. Once you hear God’s word, there will be a response. The Israelites wept. Others have repented. Still others have heard good news and rejoiced. And you? If you hear God’s word today, it can rebuild your life. God is still speaking today. We only need to listen..
~Pastor Jane