GREETINGS DEARLY BELOVED
PLS KINDLY STUDY
AND BE BLESSED IN JESUS NAME AMEN
DAILY DEVOTIONAL BY PASTOR PAUL RIKA INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR
22ND FRIDAY APRIL
PATTERN OF WORSHIP ACTIVITIES IN THE BIBLE
TEXT: NEHEMIAH 8:1-12
KEY VERSE: 1 Timothy 2:8 “I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting holy hands, without wrath and doubting”
Today’s text gives us a good understanding of the pattern of worship activities in the Old Testament which is similar to that of the New Testament. We observe the following:
• The congregation come together to hear the word of God which was central to their activities
• Ezra, the priest here was the pastor of the congregation having other elders and workers to support him in ministry.
• The word was read and they listened attentively
• Ezra stood on a pulpit together with some supportive elders
• Ezra led the people in a period of praise and worship of God.
The people answered amen, amen with the lifting of hands which is similar to that of the New Testament. Ezra opened and read the book of the law in the sight of the people who stood in honour of the word of God and cause them to understand. The word convicted the people and they wept, prayed and repented before the Lord. The people rejoiced for the word of God and the presence of God among them.
In our key verse, the public worship recorded in the scripture emphasized the holiness of the worshippers. When Jesus was in the flesh, He sang hymns but no record of dancing. This is completely absent in most assemblies today. The word of God is no longer exalted and honoured. How will the congregation be convicted when the word of God has lost its centrality, emphasis, attraction, authority, or convicting power?
We must go back to the pattern of worship in the scripture that gives the word of God recognition. We must avoid multiple dancing and entertainment in the name of praise-worship during worship service. Do away with noisy church and usher into the church soberness and due attention required for the convicting power of God to be released in the holy church of God.
Thought for the day: Restore the pattern of worship in the scripture that gives the word of God emphasis and recognition.
Song for the day: Praise the Lord, my spirit, soul and body praise the Lord
Bible reading: 2 Samuel 4-6; Luke 18:18-43
#Horemow.
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