The Word of God Rebuilds Lives

By Pastor Don Patterson

Nehemiah 8:9-12 | October 15, 2017

I. Cleaning out the rubble.

II. Restoring the joy of mercy.

III. Giving a purposeful impact.

9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. 10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 11 The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.” 12 Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.

Study Questions for Connect Group discussion and/or private meditation.

1. What had Nehemiah and the people just finished when Ezra stood to read God’s word to them?

2. Why did the reading of God’s word in the law of Moses lead the people to mourn and weep?

3. Why does God’s word make us sad and deeply grieved at times?

4. What did Nehemiah mean when he said, “The joy of the Lord is your strength”?

5. The Levites and Nehemiah called the day of preaching, grieving, and rejoicing a “holy Day”. What did they mean?

6. Why did Nehemiah tell the people to share with others in their joy?

7. What is happening to us if we do not have joy in sharing?

8. How does God restore joyous sharing in our lives?