Worship: What It's Really About
Whether you are a Christian or not...whether you are a church member or not, have you ever been to a worship service? Some of us go rather regularly. We experience music, prayers, Bible reading, a pastor talking, offering and perhaps, what Christians call, the Lord's Supper. What is it really all about?
In its essence, worship is a gathering where God comes among the gathered people to give to the people; and in response the people have opportunity to give back to God. Worship is truly holy ground, that is, God's presence sets that time and place aside for interaction with people. In God's presence, we see our shortcomings, yet graciously God's forgiveness and acceptance is available and provided. God restores, renews, empowers and gives hope. In response, we praise and worship, honor and adore Him.
Yet, all of that is perceived and received and done by faith. Without it, worship is empty religious ritual. With it, worship is a life impacting and changing experience.
I was reminded of all of that (and more) as I gathered with other church leaders at a conference this last week that reviewed the theology/Bible truths about worship. It reminded me that there is value to periodically remember why we do worship, instead of only doing worship.
The part that struck me in
The part that struck me in this entry is the idea that God "sets aside" this time to be with his people. I think most of us think about God as always being with us...why is worship any different?
Are there some scripture references that you could share to learn more about what makes corporate worship different in this way than personal 'everyday' worship? Thanks!
Great question. It is true
Great question.
It is true that God is with His people always and everywhere. Jesus said in Matthew 28:20, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
But Jesus also said (Matt.18:20), "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Or the Apostle Paul writes (1Cor.14:24-25), "But if an unbeliever or someone who does not understand comes in while everybody is prophesying, he will be convinced by all that he is a sinner and will be judged by all, and the secrets of his heart will be laid bare. So he will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, 'God is really among you!'" So, though Jesus is with His people always and everywhere, there is a special way in which Jesus is present when people gather for worship. Psalm 84 describes it in this way (vs.1-4, 10), "How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home and the swallow a nest for herself where she may have her young-- a place near your altar, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house... Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere."
On this basis, one could say that God's people love to hang out with Him. And He loves to hang out with His people assembled in worship. It is in worship, where God comes among His people in His Word (1 Pet.1:23,25), baptism (1 Pet.3:21), and the Lord's Supper (Mt.26:26-28).
One more
One more thought.
Interestingly enough, this morning in my devotions, I read Psalm 87:2, which states, "the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob." In other words, God loves the temple more than the rest of the land of Israel. Why is this? It seems to me it is because of what happens in the place where His people gather with Him. He serves His people with forgiveness, life and salvation there. And it is there that we honor Him and cling to Him in prayer.
Interesting discussion! Some
Interesting discussion! Some of the comments here remind me, too, of the Body of Christ that is so dear to God...with Christ as the Head. For me, worship is also precious because of that spiritual realityl, as we gather and worship as one body in unity with Him. (Rom 12, 1 Cor.12, 19, 25, Eph. 1:22-23, Eph. 4, Col 1:24-27, etc..) As a mother who loves those times when my whole family is together, I can imagine how God might feel as we gather to be with Him!
I really identify with the
I really identify with the analogy of a parent who loves the times when the whole family is together. That's a good (and for me meaningful) image of God at worship.
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