We hear much of "revival" in 1985. The ecumenical "brethren" are calling for "renewal"; the church across town hangs out a sign that says, "Revival, Sunday - Wednesday Night, 7:00 P.M." Much is said, but there is little in the way of results. The word "revive" means to "live again". There can be not "revival" in a church that was never alive.

Here in chapter eight we see some of the vital ingredients that go into true revival. Certainly much of what has happened through the first seven chapters has contributed greatly to the atmosphere preceding this highlight of Jewish history. Let us think for a moment.

The revival was a product of strong leadership and organization. It was a product of a united effort. These were tested people, proven under the pressures and obstacles they had already seen overcome. There was a genuine desire an,more importantly a cause to work. This and much more paved the way for chapter eight.

OUTLINE OF THE CHAPTER:

I. THE READING OF THE WORD OF GOD. (1-8)

A. The people had an obvious respect for the Word of God.

[1]. Their patience (3,7) -
[2]. Their attentiveness (3)
[3]. Their consideration (4,5)
[4]. Their responsiveness (5,6)

B. The Priests carried out their duties responsibly.

[1]. Caused the people to understand (7,8)
[2]. They read distinctly (8)
[3]. They gave the sense (8)

II. THE PEOPLE UNDERSTOOD THE WORD OF GOD. (12)

A. Understanding brings:

[1]. Weeping (9)
[2]. Joy (10)
[3]. Strength (10)
[4]. Holiness (11)
[5]. Gladness, festivity, fellowship (12)

III. THE PEOPLE ACTED UPON THEIR UNDERSTANDING (13-15)

Obedience..."as it is written."

IV. THE RESULTS A GENUINE REVIVAL. (16-18)

 

I. THE READING OF THE WORD - (1-8)

In every genuine revival in history, two major thrusts have always appeared. First, there has been a proclamation of the Bible, God's Word; second, there has always been the responsive mobilization of the believers, God's people.

According to chapter seven, the basic organization has been completed, the people were now well ordered, well defended, and well governed. Yet a timeless truth emerges from all of this, it is not enough to exist within the confines of a well constructed superstructure. Real peace, joy, happiness, satisfaction, etc., is, within, not without.

Nehemiah again shows us why God has chosen him to exemplify leadership ability in the Word of God. First, he found the right man for the job at hand. Nehemiah was willing to step aside, for Ezra was the man qualified to do the job. Secondly, he established the work on the truth. Thirdly, he never lost sight of the ultimate goal, the wall building was only a means to an end, it was not the end in itself.

 

II. THE PEOPLE UNDERSTOOD - (9-12)

True revival comes only when individuals will submit themselves totally to the authority of the Word of God.

The desire of the people to listen appears to stem from three things:

[1]. The persistent teaching ministry of Ezra.
[2]. The example of Nehemiah.
[3]. A new awareness of God's righteousness.

Note the affect the Word of God has on the Jews. First, the information is fed into the minds of the people. Secondly, this evokes an emotional or heart response. Based on this response the people act and exercise their human prerogative to will" or "not to will". Mind, heart, will, this is the path all of our decisions take.

Understanding promotes mental and emotional flexibility. By that I mean, the individual is moldable or moveable. This promotes compassion and the ability to react properly in any given situation.

III. THE PEOPLE OBEYED - (13-15)

The people, apparently up to this point, were very ignorant concerning the Scriptures. The character that had been developed along with the sterling example of the man of God, prepared the people to "do right". The only sensible thing to do was to obey..."as it is written."

IV. REVIVAL - (16-18)

"...for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness." (17)

Revival has never in the history of Israel or the church, been an all encompassing movement. Revival is something that is very localized. There are no shortcuts to it and it is not like the "Hong Kong Flu" that can be contracted without any effort on the part of the recipient. A great price was paid to bring Israel to that day. In fact you can trace it back to the burden of one man who said, "0 Lord, I beseech thee let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer..." (Neh. 1:11)