At the heart of Israel was this tabernacle and it was not a given as a social place even though many used it as such. God placed Himself in the midst of this nation and brought to Himself a priesthood where the nation could be blessed and meet with God in their worship. If we examine that tabernacle closely, it was not thrown together. There are chapters written for us in detail on what would be part of this "worship house" and how God was to be approached. Many just quickly over-look all this. There are many instructions given on a multitude of things necessary to the worship of the Almighty. In all this, the Lord God Himself laid down these instructions and the purpose to worship. Yes, God has a purpose in worship!
When we look at the church at Corinth, they had taken their worship to a whole new level beyond what God desired (I Cor. 14). What we learn is who and how we worship not only reveals our inner workings but shape our inner self as well. Worship and those who worship bear witness to the existence of a world beyond what our senses can't grasp or that's what it should do. To worship the Lord God is to act out of a conviction. Who and how we worship reveals our insight to God or the lack thereof.
When Jesus pointed out to the woman at the well about God seeking true worshipers (John 4) He was drawing her and us into a reality beyond just words. Coming into the presence of God, we realize our relationship to Him as we come as His body who also is in that relationship. Together we recognize His sovereignty, speak to His goodness, marvel at His power and honor His majesty. What we fail to realize many times is not only are we doing something but something is being done to us!
Outside this "worship house" there was life and service lived. God calls us together as His body and His body was responding daily in their lives. Something is happening in worship with the heart and mind engaged and it was with them in daily life. Some never seem to realize the God given value of worship and their lives reflect that. The worship as one to our Father makes something of us. All healthy worship from the heart draws toward truth and that drawing creates a sense of awe and reverence. Our God is greater in might and eternal in nature points that we are not self-made and we owe all our blessings to Him. Our worship is a confession of that very thing! All healthy worship strengthens our trust in Him who we can't see. The presence of the unseen is seen through eyes of faith and offering ourselves to Him changes who we are and how we see life.
All in all, Jesus took 12 men aside on the last night of His earthly mission and what did He do? He engaged them in worship! Why? Jesus was preparing them for the tough road ahead as they would come to realize His redemptive work on man's behalf. That in itself should give us a little insight that worship and real daily life come together at some point. Worship is not just something we do but meaningful worship encompasses the truth while something is being done to us! Have you ever thought about what is really happening?
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