Reverent Worship

“So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am." Then He said, "Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground." Exodus 3:4-5 (Joshua 5:15)

“Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few.” Ecclesiastes 5:1-2

“When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood. "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. “ Isaiah 1:15-17

“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.” Matthew 6:9

There are many special things about a Sunday morning worship service.  Israel was called to rest on the Sabbath day (seventh, Saturday,) but after the death of Christ, the day of worship gatherings changed to the “Lord’s day” or Sunday.  While we should think of God throughout the week, on Sunday we focus on Him.  We are called to worship Him, (Acts 2:42, Hebrews 10:25) through our music, prayers, and preaching.  However not all prayers, music, or preaching are glorifying to God, or consist of worship. 

The greatness of worship is the setting aside for God.  God is a jealous god.  (Exodus 20:5)  God is not in need of anything; He is perfectly self-sufficient.  His desire is for his creation to glorify Him, yet it must be in single purpose.  We cannot desire glory for ourselves (our talents, wisdom, abilities, or memories ;) all the glory must be to God.  While half-hearted actions and gifts can fill a service, it is not considered worship.  In fact God says He will “hide his eyes” and “I will not hear.”

   We must remember what Solomon says “God is in heaven, and you on earth.”  Not everything is suitable for worship of our holy God.  God is not impressed by leftovers.  He does not desire the resources we have left after we finish all of our other tasks on our agenda or budget.  God asked for first fruits, and sacrifices with no blemish.  We disgrace God when we put so many things ahead of him (comfort, hobbies, recognition, etc.)  We give more in tips, than in offerings; we dress up more for “date night” and are more respectful in a doctor’s office than a worship service; we put more thought in a birthday card, than a prayer to God.  God deserves reverence in our worship.