[8] They read out of the book of the law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read. [9] Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. [10] Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord is your strength.” ~ Nehemiah 8:8-10CSB
It had been years since the Word of the LORD had been read in their presence. They didn’t know what to expect. As Nehemiah and Ezra read the Scriptures and began instructing people on the way they were living vs the way the Scriptures say, the people began to weep.
See, they loved their God. They had a desire to know Him and dwell in His love. Today, the Church only has the desire for off-brand, unsatisfying love that is only of this world.
The enemy will even take it a step further and call the love of God and His commands, evil. Then the people will justify the lies of the enemy by saying the Scriptures are outdated. They’re no longer necessary. They have no true place in our world today.
If we want to please God we need to seek to have what breaks His heart to break our heart. What angers Him to anger us. We need passion and desire for the things of God, if we are going to dwell in His presence.
Peace. Love. Go Forth and Seek His Heart.