REVELATION 5:9-14 – And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.”

THEME OF THE DAY:  LET’S TALK ABOUT WORSHIP.  I love books.  I love multiple kinds of books, but in Christian books, I am not a big fan of “How to’s” on the Christian life.  I am reluctant to get onboard the latest best seller in the world of Christian publishing that offers some quick way to spiritual growth or a “how to” step by step method to adopt.  So, when I came across this book How to Worship Jesus Christ: Experiencing His Manifest Presence Daily by Joseph Carroll, I was reluctant, but the title did grab my attention.  The parts causing me to pause and consider reading this book was “worship” and “experiencing His manifest Presence.” I fear much we call worship today in the modern church isn’t.  We think we need a certain environment with lighting, maybe even fog or smoke machines, certain musical instruments or types, style of worship, and other man-generated elements for worship to occur and if we leave feeling good, then we worshipped.  No, worship occurs when God manifests Himself to His people in His holiness marked by humility and the fear of God in the worshippers. But getting back to the book . . .

I purchased it. Glad I did. Here is the opening paragraph of the forward by John MacArthur, “Worship is that one essential activity that must take precedence over every other duty of life. Most people, unfortunately, are exactly like Martha—preoccupied, distracted, too busy serving to sit at the Savior’s feet.  Living in a high-tech age, we tend to be driven by time clocks, deadlines, schedules, appointments, obligations, assignments, and urgent things beyond our control.  Few people feel they can afford to put worship at the top of their “To Do” list. The truth is, we can’t afford not to.  Worship is ultimately our first priority.  Nothing on anyone’s agenda is more important.  In fact, the hectic pace of modern life only elevates the importance of active, deliberate, purposeful, daily worship of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

In today’s scripture, we find a portion of the great worship scene in heaven that is described in Revelation 4 and 5.  By the way, if we want a true description of worship, read, study, and be overwhelmed in those two chapters.  Such an exercise will change our lives.

As we read today’s scripture, identify what is the dominant theme in heaven – the worship of the living God and particularly, the Lamb, the Lord Jesus.  What are not the themes? The worshippers and their experiences, the mechanics of worship, or anything else other than God and the Lamb.  Right now, in our churches, could we say that is true each Lord’s Day?  Now don’t be defensive.  Evaluate everything.  Is every element pointing to God?  When we leave our churches on any given Lord’s Day, what do we remember? How we felt, the quality of the music and sermon, the fellowship?  If we are not remembering, pondering, and talking about God and the Lord Jesus, we didn’t worship. Think about it.

Oh, by the way, Carroll’s book points us to God and Jesus. Buy it. Read it. It will help us understand worship in knowledge and practice. It is one of the few “How to” books we should read!

PRAYER: “Father, make my life one of continual worship to such a God as You.”

QUOTE: “Worship isn’t an activity. It is a lifestyle that consumes our very being daily.”

In the affection of Christ Jesus,

Pastor Jim