We are in three different books this week; first we complete Nehemiah, then we begin and finish Esther, and finally, we enter Job. I will say more about Job next week, so for now, lets focus on Nehemiah and Esther.

Nehemiah contains one of my most favorite chapters in the Bible; chapter 8. It is one of the few places where you find scripture speaking about scripture. It paints a beautiful picture  of what happens when the community of the faithful gather for the hearing of the Word. They come together in a public place, the books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy are first read, then interpreted, all while the people stand, and six hours later, fellowship begins, not with coffee and donuts, but with rich food prepared for a festival, and wine. The day comes to an end with a sending of the people back into the world with food to share. Wow. That's all. Just wow.

Esther is the only book in the entire Bible that makes no mention of -- God! That's right, this book tells the story of Esther, Mordecai, Hamam, and the Feast of Purim without once naming God. But, that doesn't mean God is absent from the story. Read between the lines and you can't miss our good God at work.

Facebook Question

Join the discussion on the SPD One Year Bible Read-Along Facebook group page!

Have you fallen hopelessly behind? Return to this discipline by not beating yourself up. Just start today with today's reading and move forward. Don't overlook your drive time as a great opportunity to "read." You can download a free audio Bible from YouVersion and listen to it on your way to and from work, or on a car trip and get caught up, or just while out running errands.