Dig and Do

Many view the study of the Bible as another venture in trivial pursuit. They read for the sake of acquiring biblical knowledge so if they ever get into a conversation on religion they can appear to hold their own. But Scripture is not meant to be stored in the brain, but lived out in life. It's not enough to merely hear and even respond emotionally to what one reads. But we need to 'Dig into God's Word' and the 'Do what it says!' The spiritual leaders in Nehemiah's time realized after hearing the Law read that they had failed to celebrate the feast of Tabernacles the way God intended it to be observed. The Feast of Tabernacles-- a week-long family vacation celebration in Jerusalem, was a week to look back and be reminded of God's care and protection, to look around and reflect on God's blessings in the present, and to look ahead in anticipation of the Messianic kingdom age during which time the Feast of Tabernacles will be observed. But they had failed to keep it the way God intended since the days of Joshua--a long, long time! So, they made preparations, got out the word, and the people assembled in Jerusalem, built huts to live in, and celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles the way God intended it to be celebrated! All was the result of the leaders 'digging into God's Word' and then 'doing it.' In the same vein, it is not enough for us to be merely hearers of God's Word--but we are to be doers! And when we do so, we experience great joy!