Old Enough to Understand
They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage. Nehemiah 8:8 NLT
In chapters 8 through 10 of Nehemiah, the people of Israel gather after having worked hard on rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. However, they did not only need a physical restoration, but also a deep spiritual restoration. Ezra, the priest, brought the Book of the Law before the assembly, which included men, women, and all the children old enough to understand. The impact was not produced merely by the reading, but because the leaders read and clearly explained the meaning, helping the people understand each passage. This reminds us of the tremendous importance of not only hearing, but understanding and applying the Word of God to our daily lives.
- The Bible is for all ages and backgrounds Here we see that the Word of God is applicable to all ages, to men, women, and children. The gospel is a message for every age, every culture, every race, and the whole world, designed to win and disciple both professionals and laypeople, university students and people with little schooling, the rich and the poor.
- The need for a clear and relevant explanation The key to success in teaching is communicating the Bible in a practical and relevant way, so that everyone understands it. Good communicators are those who have the ability to take something complex and explain it in a simple way, unlike those who take the simple and make it complex.
- The danger of not understanding the message The only way the enemy can steal the good seed of the Word planted in people’s hearts is when they do not understand it. If we do not explain the message relevantly, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown, as Jesus warns us in Matthew 13:19.
- Excellence and practical relevance As a ministry at Águilas CFC, our fifth core value is excellence and practical relevance. The Bible will always be our manual for life and our rule of faith and conduct, but we must explain it in such a way that people can leave the church and that very same day apply to their lives what they have heard.
We have a great responsibility as believers and leaders to ensure that the Word of God takes deep root in our hearts and in the hearts of our families. When we approach the Scriptures with a teachable heart and seek to understand them clearly, true spiritual, familial, social, and financial success is unleashed. Let us not allow the noise and distraction of this world to keep us from understanding the voice of God; let us always seek divine wisdom, apply it with excellence, and share it practically to transform our lives and those of the generations to come.
They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage. Nehemiah 8:8 NLT
Think About It:
- Are you dedicating time to read and ensure you understand the Word of God in a way that you can apply it to your daily decisions?
- How can you explain God’s truths more simply and relevantly to the people around you, to your children, or to your disciples?
Make the decision to share a biblical principle clearly and practically with someone in your circle of influence this week.