Nehemiah 8:9-10

Somewhere between Ezra’s first word and his last, something unusual happened. The people began to weep. This is so like God to break in upon His people when they have a hunger for His Word. When all pretense melts away, and open hearts precede open mouths, God can then proceed to open the windows of heaven and release the convicting power of His Word.

Why were the people weeping? Was it because they were tired and hungry? No. Was it because Ezra was taking so much time in reading the Word? No. It was because, as Ezra was reading the Word, the Word began to read the people. Anytime there is a hunger for a word from God, it brings conviction when it is heard. And conviction is always followed by brokenness and repentance.

So great was the presence of God that day that Ezra had to release the people so they could return to their homes in order to share their blessings with others. May those to whom we preach have such a hunger for the Word that, when we hold it high, a holy hush will descend and God’s holy conviction will fall upon that place. Awesome things take place when the Word reads you. (Jerry Drace)