Public reading of Scripture

Serious disciples of Jesus experience seasons of longing, aching for a fresh sense of God’s presence. We speak of “blessing” or “revival” with desire. I have called the seasons “dry spells,” Artaxerxes called it “sadness of heart.” No sin is to be confessed, but something is clearly missing. Congregations experience “dry spells” too. I am suggesting an antidote for those seasons when prayers seem impotent and fail seem to penetrate the paint on the ceiling, when corporate worship is fluid, but ineffective in lifting burdens or instilling hope.

Nehemiah recorded the experiences of his weary and disheartened volunteers. For months they had been repairing the walls of Jerusalem under daunting conditions.


• Opposition, especially taunting affects morale when people “work with all their heart.” False accusations cannot be combatted and drain the spirit. Intimidation is intended to destroy, and often does. (4:6; chapter 6)
• Weariness affects the spirit. The workers took turns protecting their projects by posting round-the-clock guards. Sleep-deprived, the spirit of the volunteers was affected and Sanballat’s constant interference gained traction. – (4:10)
• Multitasking divides energy, gnaws away at stamina. Trowels and spears are as compatible as speeding drivers and police officer’s radar guns! (4:13ff.)
• Debt is burdensome. Volunteers had to sustain families and remained subject to taxes while they pursued a noble cause. (chapter 5)

The work was completed. The organizational genius of Nehemiah was validated and his courage proven. After more than six months of grueling work in extreme circumstances, a platform was built and Ezra was called on to read the Book of the Law of Moses. “He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.” (8:3) And then, the Spirit of God refreshed the spirit of the people! “Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, ‘Amen! Amen!’ Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.” (8:5-6) The “dry spell” was over!

The Word of God is refreshing, renewing, reviving. Human spirit responds to Holy Spirit as God’s Word is heard and honored. Saint Paul wrote to Timothy, “Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:11-13)

When Scripture is read well and aloud, with feeling, anointed by the Spirit, it works wonders in people! A great resource for learning to read the Word aloud in public worship is Max McLean’s, Unleashing the Word: Rediscovering the Public Reading of Scripture. I highly recommend it! The potential for spiritual renewal in the public reading of God’s Word is immeasurable.