“Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” — Joshua 3:5
Worship is not merely a passive event but a profound exchange. Throughout the Bible, we see God desiring to meet His people in a setting of reverent worship, often requiring them to consecrate themselves. In Exodus 19, God asked Moses to consecrate the Israelites, preparing them to experience His holy presence at Mount Sinai. This principle teaches us that worship is a place where both God and His people engage intentionally. God meets us where we are, but desires for us to approach Him in a spirit of reverence and readiness.
Verses to reflect on:
- Exodus 19:10-11 – The Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes and be ready by the third day, because on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.”
- Psalm 24:3-4 – “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart.”
- James 4:8 – “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
Key Themes and Insights
- Consecration as Preparation for Worship
- Consecration means to be set apart, often involving repentance and purification. When God called Israel to meet Him at Mount Sinai, He required them to prepare themselves over several days. This wasn’t about mere rituals; it was about their hearts and minds being fully focused on God.
- In our context, consecration means we examine our hearts, confess sins, and remove distractions, making ourselves open to hearing from and responding to God.
- Worship Is Reciprocal – A Two-Way Interaction
- Worship is not only about us expressing reverence to God; it’s also a time where God ministers to us, speaks to us, and transforms us. Our role is to be intentional about this relationship, entering worship with a heart ready to both give and receive.
- When we come prepared, we are open to God’s guidance, correction, encouragement, and revelation, fostering a deeper bond with Him.
- Preparing for Worship: Before, During, and After
- Before Worship: Preparing involves practical steps like quieting our minds, praying, and setting aside any thoughts or worries that might hinder our focus on God. Reading Scripture or journaling can help us align our hearts.
- During Worship: Worship should be more than just singing or reading words; it’s about entering God’s presence with sincerity and gratitude, tuning our hearts to listen and respond as He leads.
- After Worship: Reflecting on the experience and seeking to carry its impact into our daily lives helps us keep the connection alive. Journaling, prayer, and continued meditation on God’s word keep the experience of worship relevant beyond the service.
- Purity of Heart and Mind
- Psalm 24 reminds us that those with “clean hands and a pure heart” are the ones who can stand before the Lord. This purity is less about ritual cleanliness and more about sincerity, humility, and a heart that seeks to be aligned with God. It’s only through Jesus Christ and the grace of God that we can walk with clean hands and a pure heart. This places focus where it should be, on God.
Practical Application
- Daily Consecration: Just as Israel was called to prepare themselves, make a habit of dedicating time before worship or your quiet time to clear your heart and mind.
- Intentional Focus: Try to be intentional in every phase of worship—before, during, and after—allowing each moment to draw you closer to God.
- Expectant Heart: Approach worship expecting to encounter God in a transformative way, ready to receive whatever He might reveal.
Questions:
- When you think of worship as a two-way street, how does it change the way you approach worship?
- In Exodus 19, why do you think God required the Israelites to consecrate themselves before meeting Him?
- How do you personally prepare for worship? Are there any practices you find particularly helpful?
- During worship, how do you ensure you’re not only giving praise but also listening for God’s voice?
- Reflecting on the past week, have there been moments when you felt God was preparing you for a deeper experience with Him? How did you respond?
- In what ways can you carry the impact of your worship experiences into your daily life after the worship service ends?
Part 2
Questions:
How can you place yourself in a posture to look to Christ in disagreements instead of wanting or needing to be right?
On your team what are things you can do to create a culture of Kingdom mindset where you look to God, and what He wants for your team, for your services?
Reflection:
Consider your own will and desire to be right. Spend some time asking God to show you what you need to change and how you can be a blessing? Consider what He wants in different areas of your life, and especially in times of disagreements.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
From my heart to the work of my hands, You call me to humility. Today, I surrender my desires to You as I seek to understand what it truly means to serve and to lay down my life for You and Your people. Teach me to love as You love and to serve with a willing heart.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.