Even Those Who Understood Were There

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

I want to apologize for taking a day off yesterday. I had no reason to do so except that I had completely forgot to do my devotions yesterday and so didn't have any thoughts to write. I opened my computer, answered email, checked social sites, and listened to music, so my computer was open. I just didn't read my devotions.

I'm not sure if maybe I thought it was a different day as it felt like a weekend due to the celebration of Martin Luther King's life. I'm not sure if because I concentrated on finishing my final paper for school I didn't do any writing that went outside of that purpose. Whatever the reason, I did not come to write my thoughts on anything scripture related.

What I did do yesterday, besides writing my paper, is watch the inauguration of President Obama. In fact, as soon as we woke up the TV was turned on and the tube-watching commenced. (Remember that I live in Hawaii so for us the inauguration ceremonies began at 6:30 am.) We watched as just over 1-million people gathered to watch, listen to, and share in the moment as the President renewed his vows to do his best to take our country forward.

As people watched and listened and shared there was a good sense that those in attendance knew they were in the presence of history. When the cameras showed pictures of the crowd one could not help but notice that people of all color, religion, abilities, and sexual orientation were paying close attention to what the President had to say. As he spoke words of unity, fairness, and cooperation the people cheered, sat quietly and nodded, or wept.

Reading this morning's passage brings with it the same images. Nehemiah 8 is about people gathering for the single purpose of renewing their commitment to their God. If we read the passage we will see that all the people were there, "men, women, and all who could understand". The latter is the author's way of saying everyone was there, regardless of their ability, gender, or age. In the renewing of their covenant to God the Hebrew people stood as one, unified in a single purpose; to profess their love for God and one another.

As we move forward in our lives let us remember to do the same. Let us renew our lives to a single purpose; to love.