1. Joy at Hearing God's Word
Nehemiah 8:5-6, Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, "Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

2. The people were thirsty for God’s Word and drank it in
We know that from three clues

3. Clue #1 – the people's enduring attentiveness (vs 3)
From daybreak till noon! (5 or 6 hours)

4. Clue #2 – the people stood as they listened (vs 5)
Standing while the Bible was read was a sign of respect for the Word of God

5. Clue #3 – the people were affected by the Word of God
They were moved to tears of repentance (vs 9)
Later they were moved to joy as they understood the words of the Bible (vs 12)

6. Why were the people so eager to listen to the Bible?

7. 1. Because there was a spiritual vacuum in their lives and they knew it
Knowing that reading Scripture helps to strengthen our contact with God, the people requested Ezra to read from the book (vs 1)

8. 2. God desired a fresh relationship with his people
The Bible is God's Word of truth to us to help us understand
ourselves
this world
the purpose and meaning of life
forgiveness and salvation by grace alone
what is coming after this life

9. Contrast OT and NT relationship with God
Old Testament
Relationship revolved around the Law (Torah)
New Testament
Relationship revolved around Jesus Christ
John 1:17 “The law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ“
It is the Bible that leads us to Jesus

10. The Bible, as the powerful Word of God, is too important to ignore
Make a regular practice of reading a portion of Scripture at least once a day, e.g., after a meal, or first thing in the morning
Bible Study groups
Sunday morning worship

11. May each of us have a hunger and thirst for a fresh relationship with God which is possible as we find Jesus through the living Word of God