Why Do We Stand At the Reading of the Word of God

For several years I would ask people to stand when the Word of God was read.  I have stopped doing that because you should not be forced to be obedient to Scripture.  One's obedience should come from them as they see clearly what God desires and from a heart seeking only to please Him, they gladly obey whether anyone else does or not.

Now, at Rainsville First Baptist Church, when I (or anyone else is preaching) read the text from the Word of God, people will stand without being asked.  Why?

This came about because of preaching through the book of Ezra in the summer of 2022 on the theme of revival.  As we were studying Ezra, we read in Nehemiah 8:1 and following: "...and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel. So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the congregation, of men and women and all who could hear with understanding,...And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up.  And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. Then all the people answered, "Amen, Amen!" while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the grounds."

Out of reverence for God speaking, the people rose to their feet for what was in their hearts toward God and His Word. 

So let me encourage you to get to the place where you obey God no matter what anyone else does.  This is much wider than just standing during the reading of God's Word, but it is one place for sure. 

What a beautiful sight when God's people rise out of that reverence and obedience to honor His Word. And what further is beautiful when God's people then obey what they hear from the Word.

Blessings;

David