THE RIGHT FOCUS. By Pastor Fernando

SCRIPTURE

8 They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.

9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, "This day is sacred 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 sacred 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 sacred 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.

Nehemiah 8:8-12

OBSERVATION

When the people that had rebuild Jerusalem after years of captivity in foreign lands, Ezra open the Book of the Law and read it to all the people. It seems that they never heard the Word of God in a way that they understood. And once they got it, they were distressed. They were morning and weeping because they knew of the wrong they and their ancestors had done. But Nehemiah, Ezra, and the elders instructed the people to not be emotional about the past, but to celebrate the present victory and focus in the future.

APPLICATION

God's Word is powerful to bring conviction, not so we live in guilt in shame, but so we can pursuit God in righteousness. Once we understand God's Word we will realize where we fall short. If we are sincere and humble, the discoveries will lead us to repentance. But as soon as possible, we must move forward and focus in the present forgiveness of God and in the future holiness we can share as we set our minds to obey God's Word. We need to rejoice as we understand God's will. But more than anything, we need to celebrate the fact that now we know better, that now we can be in the light, and that we are set apart to live according to the instructions in the Scriptures.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, many times as your Word convicts me I stay too much time in morning, focusing more in th epast and in what I could have done, rather than celebrating the truth and focusing in doing what your Word says. As a teacher of your Word and as a spiritual leader of your people, please help me to always articulate well and communicate clearly this principle to the people that are understanding your Word. Help me to highlight grace and redemption above punishment. I want to motivate people to obey you, not becasue they are afraid of hell, but becasue they are excited about heaven. Fill me with your Spirit and help me to lead just like Nehemiah and Ezra did! Amen!