Pulpit kwa street.

The public reading of scripture seems to have lost its place in many modern congregations. Sure, a few pastors and ministers still give it the attention it deserves, but not enough. We’ve become more interested in hearing the words of the messenger than the message of the text. It’s as though we’re more tuned in to Pauls' than Jesus. Now, don’t get me wrong—Paul's letters are solid, just as teachings from different ministers may be, and I’ll even quote Paul in this write-up, so don’t misquote me! But, Paul’s letters focus on church behavior—how we are to live with each other and with the unbelievers around us. That’s why he always hammers home faith, hope, and, of course, love. Meanwhile, the words of Jesus, and of God Himself, point us towards belief and eternal life— the ultimate good news. As much as we learn to live with each other, we need to learn moreso how to live with God.

This realization hit me hard when I read Nehemiah 8:2-3:

“On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men, women, and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women, and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.”

Can you imagine that? From daybreak till noon! No fancy music, no fog machines—just the Word of God being read. These people stood there, listened, and hung on every word. And they weren’t left hanging, because in Nehemiah 8:8 it says:“ They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.”

This wasn’t just reading for the sake of reading—there was understanding going on. But today? We spend more time in services on songs, dances, and announcements than on hearing and explaining the Word. It’s as if we’re more interested in the entertainment than in the nourishment. But what does Acts tell us about the early church? They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching (which, newsflash, was mostly about the Word of God), fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. You’ll notice, nowhere does it mention fog machines or epic guitar solos!

Many preachers today, sadly, are serving their congregations a spiritual diet devoid of nutrients—philosophies and self-help principles with little to no power. They’re preaching congregations into a spiritual coma, all the while offering nothing but words that sound good but do nothing for the soul. It reminds me of Paul’s warning to the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 1:5: “Our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.”

It’s a reminder to us that the Word of God carries real power, not just nice sentiments. Read Nehemiah 8:9 and see what the words of God did to their hearts. Eeh! We need to return to the source—the Word—spoken, heard, and understood. Otherwise, we’re just going through the motions, and let’s be honest—there’s no power in that.

So, let’s not be cozy Christians who are entertained into apathy but believers who wield the Word like the sword it was meant to be, cutting through the noise and pointing the way to eternal life!

Will you?