The Smile Of Understanding

“And all of the people went their way to eat, …. And to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them” (Nehemiah 8:12 KJV). Ezra did something that made the people of Israel happy. This was not an easy task at this particular time. Israel was recently returned from Babylonian captivity. They were no longer the proud, powerful Israel of old, but a disheartened, defeated people.

Ezra “read the book of the law of God distinctly, gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading” (Nehemiah 8:8 KJV).

As a result of this understanding, the people made great mirth.

Being a Christian does not imply in any sense of the word what some would have us believe. The attitude that being a Christian produces a sense of restriction, a “ball and chain” complex, is completely foreign to the real fact. One can have a great life of true enjoyment if he understands the real meaning of the word of God.

Since the Christian life has nothing to hide, or be ashamed of, or consequences to fear, or cover up, or lie about, or deceive, or flee, or blame, or suffer from, or recuperate from, or anticipate, then what does it have? It has the contentment that comes from knowing that one is right, that his conscience is clear, and that he can smile in the face of all pressures.

No wonder the people made great mirth when they understood the word of the law. To know that one is in harmony with God should make one very happy! (Matthew 5:6; cf. Isaiah 55:1-3; Isaiah 65:11-16). —Eddie Whitten

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets