WORSHIP --- PART 3

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH US ABOUT WORSHIP?

WORSHIP IS FIRST AND FOREMOST AN ENCOUNTER WITH THE LIVING AND HOLY ELOHIM.
Do not come any closer, YHVH told him. Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. -- Exodus 3:5. At YHVH’s Command, Moses removed his sandals and covered his face. Taking off his shoes was an act of reverence, conveying his own unworthiness before YHVH. YHVH is our Friend, but He is also our Sovereign Adonai. To approach Him frivolously shows a lack of respect and sincerity. When you come to YHVH in worship, do you approach Him casually or do you come as though you were an invited guest before a king? If necessary, adjust your attitude so it is suitable for approaching a Holy YHVH.

WORSHIP IS ONLY AS REAL AS THE INVOLVEMENT OF THOSE PARTICIPATING.
These are the instructions for the whole burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, the guilt offering, the ordination offering and the peace offering. Elohim gave these instructions to Moses on Mount Sinai when He Commanded the Israelites to bring their offerings to YHVH in the wilderness of Sinai. -- Leviticus 7:37-38. YHVH gave His people many rituals and instructions to follow. All the rituals in Leviticus were meant to teach the people valuable lessons. But over time, the people became indifferent to the meanings of these rituals and they began to lose touch with YHVH. When your believers group appears to be conducting dry, meaningless rituals, try rediscovering the original meaning and purpose behind them. Your worship will be revitalized.

A TRUE WORSHIP EXPERIENCE IS OFTEN A DIRECT RESULT OF PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP.
Elohim said to Moses: Give these instructions to the people of Israel: The offerings you present to Me by fire on the altar are My food and they are very pleasing to me. See to it that they are brought at the appointed times and offered according to My Instructions. -- Numbers 28:1-2. Offerings had to be brought regularly and presented according to prescribed rituals under the priests’ supervision. Following these rituals took time and this gave the people the opportunity to prepare their heart for worship. Unless our heart is ready, worship is meaningless. In contrast, YHVH is delighted and we get more from it, when our heart is prepared to come before Him in a spirit of thankfulness.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO WORSHIP AND PRAISE YHVH.
Sing praises to YHVH, our Strength. Sing to the YHVH of Israel. Sing! Beat the tambourine. Play the sweet lyre and the harp. Sound the trumpet for a sacred feast when the moon is new, when the moon is full. -- Psalm 81:1-3. Israel’s holidays reminded the nation of YHVH’s great miracles. They were times of rejoicing and times to renew one’s strength for life’s daily struggles.

WORSHIP AND MUSIC GO HAND IN HAND.
David instituted music for the temple worship services -- 1 Chronicles 25. Worship should involve the whole person and music helps lift a person’s thoughts and emotions to YHVH. Through music we can reflect upon our needs and shortcomings as well as celebrate YHVH’s Greatness.

WORSHIP IS BRINGING THE BEST WE HAVE TO MOSHIACH.
They entered the house where the child and his mother Mary were and they fell down before Him and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. -- Matthew 2:11. The magi brought gifts and worshiped Yeshua for Who He was. This is the essence of true worship; honouring Moshiach for who He is and being willing to give Him what is valuable to you. Worship YHVH because He is the perfect, just and Almighty Creator of the Universe, worthy of the best you have to give.

GENUINE WORSHIP RESULTS IN SUBMISSION AND OBEDIENCE TO YESHUA.
Even as He said it, a bright cloud came over them and a Voice from the cloud said: This is My Beloved Son and I am fully pleased with Him. Listen to Him. -- Matthew 17:5. Yeshua is more than just a Great Leader, a good Example, a good Influence and a great Prophet. He is the Son of YHVH. When you understand this profound truth, the only adequate response is worship. When you have a correct understanding of Moshiach, you will obey Him.

EVERYTHING DONE IN CORPORATE WORSHIP MUST BE BENEFICIAL TO THE WORSHIPERS.
Well my brothers and sisters, let’s summarize what I am saying. When you meet, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation YHVH has given, one will speak in an unknown language, while another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must be useful to all and build them up in Elohim. -- 1 Corinthians 14:26. This principle touches every aspect -- singing, preaching and the exercise of spiritual gifts. Those contributing to a worship service -- singers, speakers, readers -- must have love as their chief motivation, speaking useful words or participating in a way that will strengthen the faith of other believers.

IN WORSHIP, EVERYTHING MUST BE DONE IN HARMONY AND WITH ORDER.
Even when the gifts of Ruach HaKodesh are being exercised, there is no excuse for disorder. When there is chaos, the gathering is not allowing YHVH to work among believers as He would like. Make sure that what you bring to worship is appropriate, but also make sure that you participate.