It’s good to see where our worship practices began. It helps to understand why certain pieces of furniture are placed in churches where they are. But we also realize these are from the “first covenant.” We have been reading about the New Covenant God has with his people. The traditions ascribed to the first covenant can thereby be set aside.
Are you like me, asking, “Where is the Ark of the Covenant now?” After a brief discussion with Bible scholar husband, David, I learned there isn’t a concrete answer. One would assume that when the temple was demolished by the Babylons the Ark was also destroyed. One could also speculate that a high priest of the time had the Ark hidden and preserved. There is no mention of the Ark in Scripture after the temple was destroyed. As you know, the temple was rebuilt only to be destroyed again after the time of Jesus. It has never been rebuilt although some Jews hold on to that hope.
Rather than get stuck on that, let’s instead focus on worship. The worship practices of that day look a lot different. God has made himself more accessible to us through the sacrifice of Jesus and his appointment as high priest. Sadly, some people around the world are not able to openly worship due to rules, governments, or the stronghold of other religious bodies. Some live in fear to be “caught” worshiping God. That must be tragic. I am very thankful for my freedom to worship.
We can always worship God in private. That does nothing to further the kingdom and spread the good news, but it can be what is “safe.” God created us to worship him. Our adoration can take on many forms such as singing, dancing, praying, giving, serving, even quietly listening. We can worship God with our work. This passage really doesn’t go into all of that, but when I think of worship, I get all giddy because I know how it pleases God.
What are your favorite ways to worship?
Worship isn’t for us. It’s for God. Listen to the song, Made to Worship by one of my favorite Christian artists, Chris Tomlin.
Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you I have the freedom to express my love and adoration for you 24/7. I pray for those who have to be careful and live in fear unable to do the same. Bless them for being faithful. Lord, continue to bless the worship ministry you have called me to. I am so grateful for the gifts you have given me, the courage and confidence to stand in reliance on you, and the peace that flows through me when the fire of your Spirit is ignited in my soul. Thank you. May my life be lived in constant worship so that others will see you reflected in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
