Stirred By The Word

Stirred By The Word

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 6, 10 NKJV

[1] Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel. [2] So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month. [3] Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law....[6] And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground...[10] Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

      

     When I read those words, a concept crept up at me: the people were stirred by the words that were read. Someone describes that stirring as refering to, " the arousal or awakening of emotions, actions, or spiritual awareness".  Such stirring can denote both positive and negative connotations, depending on the context in which it is used. The concept of being "stirred" is significant in understanding how God interacts with us, and  how we respond to His promptings. It tells us how emotions and actions are influenced by spiritual or external forces. The word is used in the ESV version in Heb.10:24," Stir up one another". NIV uses, " spur one another on"; and the King James is “consider one another to provoke". The people were stirred by the word, they answered, “Amen, Amen!”. Feel the weight of their answer, which means, "Let it be so!"

    The people prostrated in worship. There are moments you just need to cast aside every care and prostrate for our God. This was the moment. When someone is stirred by the word, it means their emotions or feelings are deeply affected by what they hear or read, leading to a strong reaction or response. This is when people can be moved to action, experience a surge of emotions, or have their thoughts and beliefs challenged. The word  of God can "stir up" a variety of responses, both positive and negative, depending on the context and the individual. May the word of God you hear bring these kind of stirrings and connect us with the King, In Jesus Name.