Devotional
for the Week 28 January 2008
Sermon
Title: Worship Starts With A Proper Attitude
Scripture Text:
1 Chronicles 13:6-10; 15:1-3
The
ark of God was a large box containing the stone tablets on
which God had written the Ten Commandments – it was
the most sacred object of the Hebrew faith. It had been left
neglected in Kiriath Jearim for many years. By then, King
David had made Jerusalem the centre of worship in Israel.
It was his desire for the Israelites to bring the ark of God
back to Jerusalem. This journey of returning of the ark reveals
two different worshippers and attitudes.
Good
End-goal but Poor Attitude
1
Chronicles 13 tells us about Uzzah. We read that the Israelites
moved the ark of God from Abinadab's house back towards Jerusalem
on a new cart and oxen, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding it. In
Numbers 4:15, God had given specific directions that only
the Kohathites, a division of the Levi tribe, were to carry
the ark. It was never to be touched or the bearers would die.
However,
there is no record that Uzzah was a Levite. When the ark bearers
came to the threshing floor of Kidon, the oxen stumbled and
Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark. The Lord's anger
burned against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he had
put his hand on the ark. Uzzah touched the ark, not thinking
much of his actions, nor having the fear of God.
Good
End-goal and Good Attitude
We
read of a different worshipper in 1 Chronicles 15. After Uzzah’s
fatal error, King David made amends to obey the law by getting
the Levites, God’s appointed, to carry the ark. There
was a great procession of worship and praise. David and all
the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before
God, with songs and instruments. David, wearing a linen ephod,
danced before the Lord with all his might, even to the point
of disrobing himself.
Uzzah
died for not following the rules. Here we see David stripping
and dancing. Surely, that was inappropriate. Exodus 28 speaks
of strict dress codes for the priests. Even today, people
speak about dressing your best for the Lord. But why wasn’t
David struck down like Uzzah?
The
Attitude of Worship
We
can conclude that God is NOT a stickler for rules. It is the
attitude of heart that He looks for.
For Uzzah, his poor and careless attitude towards God’s
laws belied an utter disrespect for God. Are we like Uzzah?
We may want to worship God but treat Him without respect.
Do we worship God only if there is time? Do we come to church
to receive Holy Communion and leave before benediction, not
considering it a priestly blessing, which is a command of
God (Numbers 6)? Do we only allocate God a 90-minute Sabbath,
the duration of a service, then go off to do other non-godly
things after that? Do we ‘worship’ God as if we
don’t think much of Him?
On
the other hand, David knew worship was about God and for God,
so he did these:
-
David came prepared to worship. (1 Chronicles 15:1) –
Let us prepare ourselves prior to coming to worship God
from the time we wake up.
-
David came, wanting to worship. (1 Chronicles 13:3) –
Let us come to worship not out of a routine, but a need
and desire to do so.
-
David came solely to worship. (2 Samuel 6:20) –
Let us pour our worship out for God only, not caring what
others may think.
Prayer
Response
Dearest
God, You have, in Your grace, tolerated our imperfections.
You are patient with us, not wanting anyone to perish, but
everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9-10) Forgive us,
Lord and thank You for Your mercy! Help us to examine our
hearts today. We desire a renewed and purer attitude towards
worship. We long to worship You with our whole being and give
You our all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Devotional based on sermon by Rev Joel Yong