S) "12 and all the Levitical singers, Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their sons and kinsmen, clothed in fine linen, with cymbals, harps and lyres, standing east of the altar, and with them one hundred and twenty priests blowing trumpets 13 in unison when the trumpeters and the singers were to make themselves heard with one voice to praise and to glorify the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice accompanied by trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and when they praised the Lord saying, 'He indeed is good for His lovingkindness is everlasting,' then the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, 14 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God."
2 Chronicles 5:12-14 (NASB)
O) This is a beautiful picture of corporate worship. The ark of God had just been brought into the newly constructed temple, and they were about to begin a feast. They determine to worship in unison (see v.11), and it ushered in a powerful manifestation of the presence of the LORD.
A) I can't get this wrong- I do not worship so I can feel God's presence. My worship of Him is not about my feelings. By definition, if those are my motives, that is not truly worship. But, this is a sort of enigma, I think. In grace, God allows us the pure joy of His presence, and it does (or it should, at least) draw us into more worship. So, when I'm feeling lazy, or complacent about worship, especially corporate worship, a passage like this reminds me of the joy of His presence, that comes so often in the heart of His children, worshiping in unison.
A) I can't get this wrong- I do not worship so I can feel God's presence. My worship of Him is not about my feelings. By definition, if those are my motives, that is not truly worship. But, this is a sort of enigma, I think. In grace, God allows us the pure joy of His presence, and it does (or it should, at least) draw us into more worship. So, when I'm feeling lazy, or complacent about worship, especially corporate worship, a passage like this reminds me of the joy of His presence, that comes so often in the heart of His children, worshiping in unison.
P) Father, over and over, Your grace overwhelms me. It is such pure joy, to know Your presence. When I am truly worshiping You, it really does feel great. So much joy, and peace, and contentment- and yet, You didn't have to design it this way! You deserve my worship, regardless of my feelings. Thank You, though, that You consider my feelings at all. Than You, for allowing me to enjoy worship, LORD. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment