A Worshipful Priority

Scripture: Psalm 122:3-5

Jerusalem, that is built As a city that is compact together; To which the tribes go up, even the tribes of the LORD-- An ordinance for Israel-- To give thanks to the name of the LORD. For there thrones were set for judgment, The thrones of the house of David.

Insights: The natural outflow of a relationship with Jesus is worship.  In other words, we ought to desire to worship the Lord with all of our heart because of what He has done for us.  Warren Wiersby writing about these verses stated, “When the psalmist looked at the city, he thought of unity and security.  Just as the stones of the walls and houses were ‘bound firmly together’ [or as the NASB rendered it, ‘compact together’], so the people were bound together in their worship of the Lord and their respect for the throne.  The twelve separate tribes, plus the tribe of Levi, shared the same ancestors and history, participated in the same worship in the same holy city, and were governed by the same divine laws.  The church today already has spiritual unity (Eph. 4:1-6), but we must endeavor to maintain it and demonstrate it before a watching world (John 17:20-23).”  The other side of these verses deals with the thanksgiving aspect of worship.  David was telling the children of Israel to give thanks to the name of the LORD.  Our worship is an expression of love because of our thankful heart.  We are grateful Jesus saved us from sin and eternal damnation.  Beloved, when you come to a worship service it is my pray that your entire focus is on Jesus.  It takes a great deal of work to make your focus central on Him.  In the service itself, there are people getting up and down to use the restroom.  Others are coughing.  Every once in a while phones go off.  There are even technological issues that arise from time to time in the audio/visual department.  Corporate worship takes work.  I pray you will be here at FBCBG this Sunday and fight for intimacy with Jesus.  Strive to grow in grace with Him.  May your worship bring Him glory!

Questions:

1. Does your worship reflect the genuineness and authenticity of your relationship with the Lord?
2. Does your worship reflect your unity among the body of believers?

Prayer: Father, I am so often selfish and self-serving.  I pray my heart is transformed to such an extent that I worship You with all sincerity and do not take for granted Your wonderful presence in my life.  Amen.