The First Reading appointed for the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany in the Year of Luke comes from a little-read book in the Hebrew Bible. The reference is Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10. It is clear that the only reason verses 4 and 7 are omitted is because they include a list of names that no lector would like to encounter, and contain information not crucial to understanding the passage. In any case, the text is a story of the delight God's people have in hearing the Word of God after a long absence. This could be a delightful chance for the preacher to celebrate the gift of God's Word.
(The following questions have been developed to help preachers understand the way the Word functions in the text. These questions are best used in conjunction with other fine sets of questions available to exegetes. For more on this method and on Law and Gospel preaching in general, see my brief guide, Afflicting the Comfortable, Comforting the Afflicted, available from wipfandstock.com or amazon.)
1. How does the Word function in the text? Since this is an account of the people of God rejoicing in hearing the Law of God again after a long absence, the Word here is functioning primarily as Gospel. A theme might be "God's Word brings Joy." This is not a typical gospel function, but if the Gospel is all about the promises of God, this falls into that arena.
2. How does the Word not function in the text? There is no word of Law, no place that the Word calls anyone to repentance or lifts up their need for a Savior.
3. With whom are you identifying in the text? We are those who cry "Amen. Amen!" We are the people weeping for joy because we once again are hearing the Word of the Lord.
4. What, if any, call to obedience is there in this text? An argument could be made that this entire story is a call to obedience. In other words, what this story is doing is inviting us to respond as these former exiles did, rejoicing at the hearing of God's word.
5. What Law/Gospel couplet is suggested by this text? One might look to the context to imagine couplets in conjunction with this text. A few ideas: exiles/home again; silence/spoken to; forgotten/claimed.
6. Exegetical work: There is not a great deal written about the book of Nehemiah. The Lutheran Study Bible is very helpful in its introductory mateiral. (pp. 752-753). According to these notes, the book of Nehemiah "presents what may be called 'phase three' of the Jews' return to Judah from the Babylonian exile. This phase centers on rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem." Reading through the opening 7 chapters, we hear the story of how Nehemiah, cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, receives word concerning the trouble of the exiles in Jerusalem and endeavors to come to their aid. He, a trusted servant of the king, is then given leave to go and assist those living in Judah, and indeed even receives the king's protection and assistance for his journey. He is clearly a beloved and faithful servant of the royal family. Again, in the LSB we read that "Nehemiah is a perfect example of Luther's concept of ora et labora, 'pray and work.'" This means to "trust in God and work out your vocation using your skills and gifts." (Ibid., 753).. Bede the Venerable, the 7th century scholar, has a delightful commentary on this passage.. He writes: "The point to note here is the devotion and also the like-mindedness of the people who as one person (that is, with one and the same faith and love) came together at the Lord's temple; and they themselves asked their pontifex to bring the book and recount for them the commandments of the Law that they must observe, so that along with the rebuilt city, a structure of good works pleasing to God might spring up in case, just as before, neglect of religion should lead to the ruination of the city as well. And it is appropriate that the city was completed in the sixth month and that the people gathered in it to hear the Law in the seventh; for in the Law there are six days for working and a seventh for resting. (Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture, OT, vol. V, pg. 354).
Blessings on your proclamation!
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