The Third Sunday after Epiphany (OT)

Nehemiah 8:1-12

And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the Lord had commanded Israel. ² So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could understand what they heard, on the first day of the seventh month. ³ And he 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. ⁴ And Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand, and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam on his left hand. ⁵ And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood. ⁶ And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. ⁷ Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places. ⁸ They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.

⁹ And 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 as they heard the words of the Law. ¹⁰ Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” ¹¹ So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” ¹² And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.

There are many people who believe that Sunday is the day of rest and relaxation. They enjoy coming and celebrating the service of the Word. Then they move back to their daily life. They move back to a life void of the Word of God. They move back to following their passions. Here the book of the Law is read, and the people are instructed to go home and celebrate.

I remember people talking about the joy of Sunday Dinner, not Sunday brunch. They would go home to a feast ready, just like on the days of Easter, on Thanksgiving, and even at Christmas. This is a time of sharing with those who do not have. So should our Sunday meal and Sunday Service.

We should celebebrat a feast not just of the Lord's Supper, but a meal that would allow for the foreigner and sojourner among us to come and join. They would be brought in to join the celebration of Jesus Christ calling us to faith. The celebration of God's Law and instruction. This is a celebration of the gifts of God, and thanksgiving for his glorious creation.

The people have been brought back from the land of exile. The people come to hear the word of God that has been lost for many generations, or years. These people now come back to the place where agod has promised to be. God is there and encourages Nehemiah to have them celebrate this blessed reunion.

Hear the Word of The Lord and have a potluck after church, enjoy the celebration of instruction and forgiveness.