NEHEMIAH 8:1 "REVIVAL SPARKED BY THE WORD"

Nehemiah stands as one of the greatest builders in the word of God! In hearing the condition of the walls in Jerusalem Nehemiah was moved with compassion that work on the walls had not been completed. So he began to weep, fast and pray to bring about change in Jerusalem, he asked God for favor with the king to go back and work on the walls. In todays society it is very rare to see someone who is moved with tears with something that directly does not involve them, to be so passionate about God's purpose for his people that he is willing to risk his life to see the walls restored. Nehemiah worked against enemies , opposition on every side to finish the work and when it was completed " that there enemies would perceive that this work was wrought of our God. (Nehemiah 6:16).                                                                                                                                                            So in the 8th chapter of Nehemiah the people gather in the streets as one man gathereth to hear the word of God. It is believed that this gathering was sparked by the people's hunger to hear the word of the Lord. The word of the Lord is read from morning to midday and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law. For about six hours the people stood and listened to the word of the Lord. Several things have to happen for true revival to take place 1.) The people thanked God (by saying Amen when Ezra blessed the Lord.)  2.) The people submitted to the Lord (by lifting their hands, which was a sign of submission)  3.) The people worshipped (by bowing down their heads to the ground)  4.) The people wepted ( when they understood the word)  5.) The people had joy ( they rejoyced)  6.)  The people had (understanding of the word)  7.) The people had (Great Gladness):  True revival  happens when people hear and understand the word of God and it brings true repentance. The first message Jesus ever preached was to repent for the kingdom of God is at hand. Nehemiah refused to let anything stop him, he was relentless in his pursuit of accomplishing the rebuilding of the walls. Are you relentless about the things of the Lord? Do you want to see God's purpose wrought in the earth? Get passionate about the fact that you want to see the kingdom of God worked in you first and then see it operate in the earth!!