Worship From An Informed Heart and Mind - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in Nehemiah 12:36b,

"Ezra the teacher of the Law led the procession."

This comment is made in the description of two choirs that were used in the temple worship during the days of Nehemiah. I note that the teacher of the Law, Ezra, was to lead the first choir in procession, as well as leaders of Judah, as they made their way "on top of the wall to the right, toward the Dung Gate." Verse 31.

I realize I am making a huge stretch here, but the comment brings to mind something I have often thought of. That thought is relative to the observation that in many, many churches today, the congregation is "softened up" with songs of worship and praise prior to the sermon that is provided during the service. Sort of tenderizing the hearts of the folks so that the message might have the most impact within those present.

I suspect this is all just fine. What I have to say here is not a matter of the "right way of doing things", but simply an observation: I have always thought that just as the choir followed the teacher of the law in Nehemiah's day, so the bulk of worship in singing and music ought to follow the sermon, not precede it.

Here is why: genuine worship should be the expression of a heart that rejoices in the acknowledgement of God's wonderful character and nature, as well as the remembrance of the wonderful things he has done. This comes by the focus on God's magnificent qualities, such as his love for us, his justice, his faithfulness to us and so forth. It comes by the acknowledgment of his wonderful deeds in fulfilling his promises to us, the sending of his Son to pay the penalty for our sins, making a way for us into his family, his kingdom.

As Ezra, the teacher of the law, led in the procession during worship, and then followed by the choir, so I have always felt the worship of our God of splendor should rightly follow our learning of God's glorious nature and works that a good sermon can provide.

By the way, if your pastor is not using his time behind the pulpit in the extolling our many-splendored God from Sunday to Sunday, give him a little nudge and let him know you would love to know more of the kindness, justice and righteousness of our breathtaking God (see Jeremiah 9:24).

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

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