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
After long years of exile, now back in their homeland, the people were eager to worship and hear God's Word. So important was the hearing of God's Word, "they all stood!"
Young Robert too noticed in his church how the people all stood for the reading of the gospel. That's why he knew these words from and about Jesus must be very important. So every Sunday he listened carefully to hear if Jesus ever said anything bad about him. You see, Robert knew already, since early childhood, that he was different. Now in preadolescence, he realized he was gay.
Comforted by the love of Jesus and the good news of the gospel, Robert stayed confidently and actively in the church as an adult. He chaired the evangelism committee, wanting all to know that Jesus welcomes everyone and that his church does too.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us joyfully share the good news that all are welcome. Amen.