Worship and obey

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! . . . Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion. – Psalm 95:1,8

Millions of Christians gather each Sunday to worship God as their Creator and Redeemer. Whether formal and liturgical or casual and spontaneous, church services are occasions to declare God’s worthiness and to give Him praise. But centuries of church history reveal how quickly worship can degenerate into empty ritualism. This occurs whenever God’s people harden their hearts and fail to obey His Word.

The psalmist knew this to be true from Israel’s experience. Under the leadership of Moses they had been miraculously delivered from slavery in Egypt and had fervently praised the Lord (Exodus 12-15). But almost immediately they began to doubt God’s goodness and trustworthiness. They complained bitterly and found fault with the Lord and His servant Moses. They ignored His instructions, and their worship became hollow. This angered God and resulted in their wandering for 40 years in a desert they could have crossed in a short time. Most were not allowed to enter the Promised Land.

Lord, fill us with wonder and gratitude for Your marvelous salvation. Help us to give You the praise You deserve, and enable us to be faithful in our love and obedience to You. – Herb Vander Lugt

Praise the Savior, ye who know Him!
Who can tell how much we owe Him?
Gladly let us render to Him
All we are and have. – Kelly

READ: Psalm 95

Our worship is right only when we are right with God.

The Bible in one year:

• 2 Samuel 19-20
• Luke 18:1-23