Worship is clearly a priority. To be in a right relationship with God is much more than merely obeying. Moses is making sure the people know the importance of worshiping God. They are going to encounter many other gods being worshiped by the people they will overtake. So that they don’t fall into the wrong habit or let curiosity get the best of them. Moses tells them to demolish the remnants of the other gods and “completely erase the names of their gods!”
I loved the discussion on worship. As a worship leader, I am especially inspired by Moses’ words, “Rather, you must seek the Lord your God at the place of worship he himself will choose from among all the tribes—the place where his name will be honored.” So many times, we associate worship with a place, a church building. For me, worship is a way of life, a mindset of constant praise. We do need to have a place set aside, too, but God will choose it. That is an especially timely promise for me.
Our small mission congregation here in Mexico has been meeting online due to the pandemic covering the world and causing us to social distance. We had been meeting in a small building we rented. Without being there, collecting tithes, doing outreach to the local neighborhoods, etc., we will not be able to maintain our lease beyond the summer. I mourn this, and yet I know if we are faithful, God will show us where he wants us to worship. He will make it clear where we can honor his name.
There was a lot of discussion about sacrificing, eating meat, celebrating, burnt offerings, shedding of blood, etc. Other than the celebrating part, we don’t usually think of those things as part of worship. But it was a part of the culture then, and there are some updates to previous tradition being made here. It was important that Moses make it clear how they were to act in terms of their acts of worship.
I was also blessed by how Moses wanted the Levites taken care of. Being the priests were from the tribe of Levite and not given any land, it was up to the people to care for them. I wonder if that’s why pastors today are still underpaid in relationship to other “occupations?” Pastors are God appointed, and it should be up to the people to take care of them. I did feel especially cared for in our last congregation. We lived in a parsonage, had lawn service and snow removal. It was a little strange sitting inside and watching members of the congregation mow our yard. But it was a blessing. The Levites depended on their community to support them in the same way.
Bottom line, we need to “be careful to obey all the commands I give you.” Moses was doing a fantastic job of setting the Israelites up for success when they reached the promised land. He spelled it out clearly they were to worship the one true God. They were to do away with all other gods and references to them. They were to focus on obedient behavior and proper worship.
We can take this to heart as well. Be faithful to the one true God. Give God your worship. Jesus’ blood that was shed for us has changed up the need to sacrifice. That doesn’t give us freedom to be sinful on purpose. Instead, we should imagine Jesus’ face before us as we confess our sins and ask his forgiveness.
Let’s pray … Lord, I thank you that you go ahead of me to prepare the place for me. Use me to be your light in this world. Where I am feeling lost, show me the way. Where I am feeling stuck, help me rise out of the muck. Thank you for how you are working inside me, revealing yourself to me. It’s a beautiful thing. Help me to trust and get out of my own way. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
