3 Personal Questions for Worship

Read Deuteronomy 12.

One of the most important instructions of all for Israel as they enter the new land was to establish their worship.  Six times Moses stated that it was to be a place the LORD would choose.  There would a single  geographical spot where they were to bring their sacrifices and offerings for worship. 

The Hebrew word translated worship means to humbly bow in reverence.  The journey to the place and the presentation of their tithes, offerings and sacrifices were to be representative of a heart that acknowledged God's ownership of all and submission to Him.  In Isaiah chapter one, God chastised Judah for bringing what He called "vain offerings".  They were disobedient and unjust in their behaviors yet continued to go through the motions of ceremonial worship.

The Tabernacle, or Tent of Meeting, moved with them on their wilderness wanderings and was eventually set up in the new land.  About 500 years later, Jerusalem became the place of God's choosing for the permanent Temple.  Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit.  While it is true that we can now worship in any place, and since the sacrifice of  Jesus on the cross there are no more blood sacrifices, there are some questions for us today.

1. Do I have a public place of God's choosing for worship?
"Not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25)

2. Do I prepare and bring with me what I have set aside for worship?
Moses referred to this as "the holy things that are due from you" (12:26).
"Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do.  On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper..." (1Corinthians 16:1-2)

3. Do I live a life of worship?
"Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.  Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:15-16)