There is a verse here in Ezra that carries great weight:
“Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel…” (Ezra 9:4)
I am reminded also of what the Lord says in Isaiah 66:2, “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”
As I ponder this little phrase several questions come to mind:
- Where are the “everyones” in our world who “tremble at God’s Word”?
- Why do we NOT tremble at the Word of God?
- What would the church look like if the saints of God trembled at God’s Word?
I’ll just leave those questions hanging out there this week for you and I to think about. I do know this – Ezra was a man who trembled at God’s Word and it made all the difference in his life. I’m not sure that I know many people that I can say this about. Including myself. Much to ponder.
In order to be able to tremble at God’s Word, we have to be IN His Word. I am as guilty as anyone for having sporadic attempts at daily reading, even with good intentions to stick to it. Last fall, I was invited to join a Discipleship Group, and one of our priorities was to do the F260 Bible Reading Plan and share our thoughts on the day’s passages with our group via e-mail. The accountability has helped me sustain my commitment and has built a rewarding practice. I know that it’s not possible for everyone to be in a group, but perhaps it would be possible to find an Accountability Partner to e-mail or text with.