Worship, God’s Way
It was nice to have relaxing Monday after being fairly fatigued yesterday. I enjoyed a breakfast with County Commissioner Lew Gaiter. I finally made a trip to Home Depot to begin my outdoor activities for this spring. I then made an afternoon trip to the County offices to get license plates for my new”er” car. I’m looking forward to being at the capitol in Denver tomorrow one last time as this year’s session comes to an end.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…the Lord our God burst out in anger against us because you Levites were not with us the first time, for we didn’t inquire of Him about the proper procedures.” So the priests and the Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel. Then the Levites carried the ark of God the way Moses had commanded according to the word of the Lord: on their shoulders with the poles.” 1 Chronicles 15:13-15 HCSB
As David secured Israel under his rule, the first thing he did was to bring the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem. During the entire reign of Saul the ark had been in Kiriath-jearim. It was there because the Philistines captured it in battle, but because of the plagues the ark brought to the Philistines they sent it back to Israel.
David’s plan had the blessing of the leaders and they brought the ark carried on a cart back to Jerusalem. When the ox pulling the ark stumbled, Uzzah, reached out to steady the ark and was struck dead. We read that David was angry at God, for being angry at Uzzah.
The ark was shuffled to the house of Obed-Edom. It like what we read next, “The ark of God remained with Obed-edom’s family in his house for three months, and the Lord blessed his family and all that he had.” (1 Chronicles 13:14 HCSB) Where God dwells, where His presence is, there is blessing. Blessing on that family and that family’s household.
After that took place, David discovered that there was a “right way” and a “wrong way” to transport the Ark of the Covenant. It was to be carried by poles on the shoulders of consecrated priests. God’s instructions to Moses had been very specific. But in the course of time, God’s instructions had been forgotten. David did what the Philistines had done in transporting the ark. However, he soon found out that when God’s instructions are ignored, it creates crisis, but when they are followed it brings blessing and celebration.
We see David dancing before the ark and leading the procession and celebration as the ark came into the City of Jerusalem. “So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouts, the sound of the ram’s horn, trumpets, and cymbals, and the playing of harps and lyres.” (1 Chronicles 15:28 HCSB)
I believe there are a couple of points of application. First we do need to be aware that the Bible gives us instructions on the worship of the Lord. We certainly see the condition of our hearts is of utmost importance. We see that while David’s intentions were good, his understanding and methods were off. One of the first lessons David learned was the importance of learning God’s Word and obeying God’s instructions.
The priority of our worship must be that which is acceptable and pleasing to the Lord, before it is pleasing simply pleasing to people. Worship seems to continue to be one of the greatest challenges found in churches today. Perhaps that should not surprise us because, we see Satan’s desire was to rob God of the worship due His name. That can take place in all kinds of ways.
One a personal level I think of those who say, “I worship the Lord in my own way.” That is usually an excuse for “not worshiping.” When we insist on and feel comfortable in “our own way” that is usually a sign that we are not devoted to the Lord and His ways. There seems to be a willingness to obey the Lord as long as it is acceptable to me.
The bottom line in any context is, does our worship cultivate and invite the presence of the Lord. Does it focus on being more obedient to the Lord and trusting Him. Good music facilitates worship, and that and is important. But it is not an end to itself. The primary focus of our worship is pleasing the Lord and cultivating His presence in our life and the midst of His church. When God is pleased and present there is life and blessing.