What is worship? We could spend a lot of time discussing this question to come to a consensus definition of what worship is to us. Most would like say that worship is praying, singing, going to church, or reading the Bible. But worship is so much more. It is God's desire for all of His people to worship Him. "Simply put, worship is engaging with God, treasuring God, and submitting to God." How do we do that?
In Leviticus 9:15-21 (READ), we read about the first duty of the priest as he offers sacrifices and offerings for the sins of the people. But before the priest could make sacrifices for the people's sins, he had to make sacrifices for his own sins (Lev 9:1-14). The Israelites were set apart as God's people and were the only nation commanded to build tabernacles and offer sacrifices. Aaron first offered a goat as a sin offering for the people. This was a sacrifice for unintentional sin as many of us often sin without even realizing it. He then followed that with the burnt offering which symbolized complete surrender to God's will for our life. The grain offering followed which recognized God's blessings on each us and every day. He then presented a peace offering on the people's behalf which was often given in response to answered prayers, thankfulness, or abundant blessings.
Aaron had to follow the process that God had outlined so that people would be clean before God and could worship Him. Obviously we don't make these types of sacrifices and offerings in church today - thank goodness! But why not? Hebrews 10:4 tells us, "For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." These animal sacrifices did not actually pay the price of sin for the Israelites. It was a symbolic act and a show of submission to God the Father. Thankfully for us, God has now provided the ultimate sacrifice, the perfect offering, the final payment of sin - Jesus Christ.
However, the sacrifices still had significant impact on the Israelites and has an application for us today (that doesn't involve blood and guts). They served as a reminder of their sinful condition. They served as a consistent practice of confession of sins helping them to become more dependent on God and less reliant on themselves.
Who all watches the Olympics? Have you ever thought about the discipline that it takes for these athletes to be at their peak physical and mental states when the games roll around every four years? They must clean their diets up and devote a huge amount of time to training to be ready. What sets these athletes apart from weekend warriors who are in really good shape? It's the preparation. I know a lot of people who exercise regularly and compete in different races and competitions. I've even done a few myself. But I quickly realized that I couldn't compete with the professionals out there. Yes, we all gave 100% during the race. But they had more to give because of the work and preparation they had put in before the race to be ready when it started. Some people are just naturally gifted to compete in certain sports. However, God has gifted and called all of us to worship Him. So how are you preparing to worship God?
In Leviticus 9:15-21 (READ), we read about the first duty of the priest as he offers sacrifices and offerings for the sins of the people. But before the priest could make sacrifices for the people's sins, he had to make sacrifices for his own sins (Lev 9:1-14). The Israelites were set apart as God's people and were the only nation commanded to build tabernacles and offer sacrifices. Aaron first offered a goat as a sin offering for the people. This was a sacrifice for unintentional sin as many of us often sin without even realizing it. He then followed that with the burnt offering which symbolized complete surrender to God's will for our life. The grain offering followed which recognized God's blessings on each us and every day. He then presented a peace offering on the people's behalf which was often given in response to answered prayers, thankfulness, or abundant blessings.
Aaron had to follow the process that God had outlined so that people would be clean before God and could worship Him. Obviously we don't make these types of sacrifices and offerings in church today - thank goodness! But why not? Hebrews 10:4 tells us, "For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins." These animal sacrifices did not actually pay the price of sin for the Israelites. It was a symbolic act and a show of submission to God the Father. Thankfully for us, God has now provided the ultimate sacrifice, the perfect offering, the final payment of sin - Jesus Christ.
However, the sacrifices still had significant impact on the Israelites and has an application for us today (that doesn't involve blood and guts). They served as a reminder of their sinful condition. They served as a consistent practice of confession of sins helping them to become more dependent on God and less reliant on themselves.
Who all watches the Olympics? Have you ever thought about the discipline that it takes for these athletes to be at their peak physical and mental states when the games roll around every four years? They must clean their diets up and devote a huge amount of time to training to be ready. What sets these athletes apart from weekend warriors who are in really good shape? It's the preparation. I know a lot of people who exercise regularly and compete in different races and competitions. I've even done a few myself. But I quickly realized that I couldn't compete with the professionals out there. Yes, we all gave 100% during the race. But they had more to give because of the work and preparation they had put in before the race to be ready when it started. Some people are just naturally gifted to compete in certain sports. However, God has gifted and called all of us to worship Him. So how are you preparing to worship God?
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