This week’s readings (Nehemiah 8.1–3,5–6,8–10 and Luke 4.14–21) reflect on the nature and power of the Scriptures. In both passages, we encounter people reading and responding to God’s Word in its written form.

In Nehemiah 8, we see a moment of profound spiritual renewal as the Israelites, newly returned from exile, gather to hear the Book of the Law read aloud by Ezra. The Levites assist by explaining and clarifying its meaning, helping the people to understand its significance. This communal act of listening and responding to God's Word re-establishes their identity and purpose as His covenant people. Initially grieved by their failures, the people are encouraged to find strength in the joy of the Lord and to celebrate His grace. This moment underscores the transformative power of Scripture to restore individuals and communities, revealing God's vision for His people and the world.

Similarly, in the Gospel reading, we find Jesus in the synagogue, reading from Isaiah—a passage often called the ‘Galilea Manifesto’, as it offers a summary of Jesus intention for his ministry at its outset. It’s a pivotal moment, as Jesus declares his purpose in the world as revealed in the Scriptures, much like the people in Nehemiah’s time, discovering God’s will and purpose through the Word. Both readings highlight an interaction between the Scriptures, the people, and a God that reveals identity, purpose, and vision. What stands out for me, though, is the need for an intermediary step, even for Jesus himself. Last week, at the wedding in Cana, we saw how Jesus was prompted into action by his mother’s words. This week, we find him reading Scripture and seemingly moved by it, just as his audience is, to the point where he can proclaim, ‘This is happening now.’ Furthermore, throughout the Gospels, we catch glimpses of Jesus regularly going off alone to pray – deliberately taking time to listen to God. We might assume that, as God incarnate, Jesus had everything spiritual come easily. Yet, time and again, we see a man who deliberately creates space in his life to listen to God, to others, and to the Scriptures. We find a man who puts in the time and effort to develop practices and habits of spirituality to sustain him and those around him. He reflects, prays, and listens actively. Perhaps this holds a lesson for us. If we desire to draw closer to Jesus and to know God as Jesus knew God, maybe we should begin by practicing the same habits. By creating space and openness in our own lives, we too can hear God speak—revealing who we are, who He is, and His vision for the world. What practices help you create space to hear God? Is there something new you might try this week? Personally, I’ve been rediscovering ‘Our Daily Bread’ (odb.org.uk) as a quick and practical resource - why not start there if you’re looking for something simple to begin with? Or it may just be setting aside 5 minutes a day to sit in silence with God; listening to those around intentionally; or even taking time for journalling, or doodling and allowing yourself to listen in on how your own creativity echoe the voice of God. Whatever it may be, why not give it a go?