For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
The wall is built and the people are home. Now they want something even better than a wall — they want to hear God's words again.
Today's Story
One morning all the people came together in a big open square. Moms and dads, grandmas and grandpas, and every child old enough to understand. They all said the same thing: “Bring out God's book! Read it to us!”
A man named Ezra stood up on a tall wooden platform so everyone could see him. He opened the book of God's words. And when he opened it, all the people stood up to listen.
Ezra read out loud. He read and read — all morning long, from early light until the middle of the day. Helpers walked through the crowd and explained the hard parts, so everyone could understand what God was saying.
And do you know what happened? The people started to cry. God's words touched their hearts, and they were sad for the wrong things they had done.
But Nehemiah said, “Do not cry! Today is a happy day! Go home, eat good food, share with anyone who has none. The joy of the Lord makes you strong!”
So the people stopped crying and started celebrating. They had heard from God, and their sadness turned into a great big joy.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- What is something that makes your heart feel really happy?
- The people stood up the moment God's book was opened, to show they cared. How can we show God we are excited to hear His words?
- Nehemiah said God's joy makes us strong. How do you think being happy on the inside helps you be brave?