Joy In Pure Worship

TEXT: DEUTERONOMY 16:13-21

KEY VERSE: “Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD shall choose: because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice” (Deuteronomy 16:15).

It is not only in such traditional sins of immorality as fornication, adultery, murder, lying, pride and homosexuality that man is seen to rebelling against God. In the twentieth century, it is also in not keeping “a solemn feast unto the Lord”. Worship service in most assemblies today is characterized by rowdiness and indecency. They are devoid of the solemnity God demands. There is little to take away for personal meditation after a Church service.

In our text today, God gave an express command to the children of Israel to set apart specific periods in the year to gather together to worship Him. The beneficial of such holy convocations was far deeper than just the superficial frills and thrills of singing and dancing. The Lord was to use that period to remind the people of their great deliverance from the land of bondage, their unique identity among the Gentile nations and to impress upon their hearts, the precepts and commandments that will continually keep them in their new-found liberty and blessings.

In today’s world of business and commerce, and with the digital race to acquire knowledge and succeed at all costs, believers need to observe the same periodic break from our busy world to come apart and rest a while. The enriching experience of a time set apart for deep devotion and fellowship with God can never be quantified.

Like the psalmist, we should be joyful during worship of God. We need to also avail ourselves of the unique opportunities to attend Christian programmes such as retreats, crusades, weekly meetings aside observance of regular personal devotional time with God. There lies the secret of our strength and victory in the battles of life.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Saints stand in awe of God’s majesty.