People today are used to always being comfortable. They complain if they have to sit too long or stand too long. They complain if their seats are uncomfortable. They complain if the room temperature is too hot or too cold.
But if something is important enough to us, we should be willing to give up some comfort. In Nehemiah Chapter Eight, we read about the Israelites gathering to hear the law of God read. Everyone who was able to understand came and stood before the water gate in Jerusalem (v. 1). Then Ezra read the law from morning until midday (v. 3).
The people stood the entire time that the law was read and explained. It is almost certain that they became tired. The children probably got very tired having to stand still for that long. But everyone wanted to know what God’s law said. They wanted to know what God required of them.
Despite standing for that long, the people left rejoicing. They had learned the most important thing that they could ever learn. They had learned God’s will. The Levites told them to go, eat and make mirth.
The next time you think about complaining because you think the sermon is too long, remember the people in Nehemiah Chapter Eight. Even the children stood for half a day to listen and learn God’s will.
Keep reading your Bible. Learn what God wants you to do. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.
