I stand for many reasons and many people. We stand when our team is doing well. We stand for our military. We stand for our flag. We stand when a bride comes down the aisle. We stand for those who gone before us. But do I stand in awe of God and His Word. 

In Nehemiah 8 the people with Nehemiah asked Ezra the prophet to find the book of the law (Genesis- Dueteronomy) and have it read aloud in front of all the people. They stood while it was read. “And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was above all the people, and as he opened it all the people stood.”

From the examples of the opening paragraph it is clear that even today we stand when something or someone is important. But the physical act of standing is not what important here. The heart and it’s genuine desire for the word is what matters. Maybe for you to show reverence you need to stand. Maybe this Sunday when your pastor or teacher reads the word you should stand. You might b the only one. But who cares. Isn’t that holiness? To be different. 

But the way they responded with the mouth was even better. “all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.” Now for some this response is ridiculous. To bow and worship. To say Amen! Amen! There are some that think lifting holy hands is too much. What? Too much for the All-mighty. Too much for the immeasurably powerful God? So we will stand for a bride, but not for THE GROOM? We will stand for our fallen, but not for THE ONE WHO WAS SLAIN? We will stand for our team, but not for THE ONE WHO WON ALREADY?

Followers of Christ need to take a page out of Nehemiah and realize if the nation of Israel can stand for the law, then shouldn’t we respond much more for grace?! God is worthy of your praise. God is worthy of your hands. God is worthy for your standing. God is worthy of your bowing. 

For this world to change and the church to be set ablaze requires a group of followers to stand up for God and His word no matter what. So, will you stand for Him?