Read: Nehemiah 8-9
Focus Verse: “The Levites—Joshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanna and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.” (Nehemiah 8:7-8).
Devotion: The priests, those trained in the scriptures, read clearly and helped explain so that all could understand. Ezra brings out the Law to read and these 13 priests took to the task of making sure all who heard understood. They read it in such a way it was understood. You didn’t have to be an insider to get the information, they used what they knew to help all understand. I seek to understand so that when I read scripture I can read it in such a way that whoever hears it understands what it means. I also seek to grow in my understanding and knowledge so I am able to give the meaning like these 13 Levites, so that all will understand.
Pray: LORD give me understanding and give me voice, but not for my sake, for the sake of those entrusted to my service, and to all those who hear my teaching. Amen.
Additional Scripture: “Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God.” (Romans 8:39)