Worship involves action. I'm not just talking about singing, clapping, praying, listening, or putting $$ in an offering plate. Worship is a lifestyle. Worship is a life that takes God at His Word--"...be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect"--and lives responsibly as a servant of the Master.
Part of being a true worshiper must include:
- Watchful anticipation of Christ's return. (45a, 46)
- Obedient participation in Christ's work. (45b)
- Close communion with Christ's people. (45b)
That could almost become a three-point sermon at some point, huh?
These three things are not Sunday activities--they are lifestyle activities.
We will begin learning different biblical terms that are translated "worship" in our English Bibles over the next couple of weeks. One of those words we translate into worship comes from the Old English word worthshippe. You can easily understand the meaning which is brought along with it--to ascribe worth.
The first four days of our journey (in our church's summer devotional guide on worship) has reminded us of God's greatness. So, what is God worth? What does He deserve when we "worship" Him? Can we merely go through the Sunday actions of corporate worship--separate from a life that is watchful, obedient, and in community--and be ascribing worth that measures up to the greatness of God? Our Sunday actions, unless they are an overflow of a lifestyle, are merely an act.
Our worship is intricately linked to our entire lives!
