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Monday 20 January 2014

1 Chronicles 16 - The importance of worship

The ark was placed inside a tent. In many ways these seems a most inauspicious place for the ark of the covenant, which represented the presence of God, to be placed. 
David then appoints various Levites to specific roles in worship. Praising God is an essential and vital part of our lives. We were created to worship God, and whatever the circumstances we find ourselves in, no matter how well or badly we are coping with them, no matter whether we haven't a clue what to do next, it is always worth worshipping God, it is always the right thing to do.
Sometimes in churches the preaching of the word and worship can seem to be out of balance. Sometimes there is such an emphasis on the word that the worship is seen as just a prelude to the really important part. Conversely, at other times the worship can be seen to be the be all and end all. Both are absolutely essential.
David's psalm of praise given here was a guide to how to worship God. We praise the Lord and proclaim His name, ie proclaim who He is. Moreover, this includes making known His deeds among the nations. There is a link between worship and evangelism. Worship of God is not a private matter.
Notice the emphasis on what God has done. Sometimes we say that we should worship God for who He is not for what He can do for us. Well this is OK as far as it goes, but it is actually unbiblical, for God demonstrates who He is by what He does.
God's covenant and associated judgements are another element of worship. We need to understand what God has done. So worship and word go together and enhance each other.
David praises God for His acts of salvation. How much more are we able to do this now after Jesus' death and resurrection!
Then there is God's protection and care for His people, and the fact that He is the only true God.
Worship us what we were created to do.

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