Bella Vista Church of Christ
LIFELINES
08/26/2020
Randall Caselman
Worship
That Makes A Difference
Most of us will agree that our worship of God has two connotations: One, we gather together to pay homage to God. It is here that we fellowship, edify and encourage one another. We see this in Old Testament Temple and Synagogue gatherings, and in New Testament church services. The Hebrews’ Writer reminds us that these Worship Opportunities should not be ignored or taken for granted, but anticipated and not forsaken: “Not forsaking our own Assembling Together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. Then there is the Worship of Service in God’s Kingdom as “an Instrument of Righteousness." We see this expressed in Romans chapter twelve: “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your Spiritual Service of Worship.” Perhaps Isaiah chapter six is an example of both. Here Isaiah comes to the Temple to Worship, but leaves with a promise of Service in God’s Kingdom: “Here am I Lord, send me.”
The most significant aspect of Isaiah’s worship is that He Sees God For Who He Really Is. Only then, ONLY THEN, will our worship become appropriate and acceptable. Only then will we leave committed to Serve as His Instrument of Righteousness. Only when we see God as Sovereign will we stop looking for excuses not to be in Worship Assemblies. Isn’t it time we approach God in absolute awe, reverence, and respect because of who He is; understanding that worship is first and fundamentally about Him, not about us. Like Isaiah, only when we see God for Who He Really Is, will we see ourselves as we are and humbly ask to serve as His Instrument, His Ambassador of Righteousness.
Church, can I say this and you not become upset with me?
In Our Worship Assemblies,
When We See God For Who He Really Is…
• We’ll stop playing with grandchildren… Whispering to friends… Checking the dress of our neighbor… Etc...
• We’ll not be walking in and out of worship services for no real reason…
• We’ll not be leaving during the invitation song to get a better seat at the restaurant, or to timely meet with friends for lunch…
• We’ll not be accessing our phones or tablets to: text friends, check our social media or visit a favorite website. In fact, unless we’re a First Responder, we'll turn the cell phone “off.”
• When we see Him for who He really is, we will never be searching for an excuse for not being in Worship Assemblies. Amazing that during COVID-19, we go shopping and out to eat, but think it's too dangerous to come to worship. Let us be honest with ourselves. If we are among those who are “at risk” God knows, but if we’re only looking for an excuse to not attend worship, God Knows!
So, the question becomes: Have we caught a glimpse of God? Will our worship impact our behavior for the rest of the week? Has our worship made any difference in who we are and what we become?
—Randall Caselman
