I remember the first time I walked into a church on Sunday morning. People greeted my husband and I warmly, with beaming smiles, kind words, and friendly handshakes. Their loving, caring demeanor was genuine; their joy radiant. All around us men and women lifted their hands and voices in beautiful praise to God—a God they knew personally and intimately.
At the time, however, I found this outward expression of worship strange. Its emotion and intimacy off-putting. The unshakeable happiness I saw in each smile intimidated me. To be honest, I was downright uncomfortable! Everybody seemed like they had it all together, and I couldn't help wondering if I was really in the right place.
Before Israel reached the "resting place of their inheritance", everyone worshipped the Lord as they saw fit (Deut. 12:8–9). The Levites ministered in the tabernacle offering sacrifices on behalf of the people, but outside of priestly duties, the Israelites' personal worship was largely unorganized. In the Promised Land, however, the Lord expected His chosen people to follow His standards, not their own preferences.
First and foremost, God commanded the Israelites to "destroy completely" all the places where the Canaanite nations had worshipped their gods (v. 2–3). In the ancient world when one nation dispossessed another, the practice of the conquering nation was to repurpose former temples for worship of their gods. The Lord wanted none of this—any remnant of ungodly worship in the land was to be wiped out!
In the midst of His temptation, Jesus rebuked Satan with the words, “It is written: Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only” (Lk. 4:8). Before we can worship God rightly, there must be some places where we will no longer worship. Often our worship becomes corrupted not because we worship too little, but too much. We give so much of our hearts over to the things of the world, there is little left for God! Such divided worship is not only an affront to God, but a compromise to our souls. Why does God command singular, wholly-devoted worship? Because anything less opens our hearts up to corruption.
Moses told the people, "...you are to seek the place the Lord your God will choose... To that place you must go... You are not to do as we do here today, everyone as he sees fit..." (v. 4–6, emphasis added). God did not leave worship up to the opinion or whim of the individual. He specifically chose the place that would bear His Name, and commanded the people to seek Him there.
God doesn't call us to seek Him in isolation—the church functions as a body, each part depending on the others (1 Cor. 12:14–27). Though we may be tempted to believe we can worship God just as well in our living rooms or out in nature, we cannot simply 'worship as we please'. It may be difficult to find the church home God is calling you to, but there is a place where He wants you to worship. And to that place you must go!
Jesus often referred to His followers as sheep (Jn. 10:1–16). Paul, when addressing the elders of the church at Ephesus, exhorted them to keep watch over the flock and "be shepherds of the church of God" (Acts 20:28). When we separate ourselves from the church and reject its leadership, we are like sheep outside the flock—unprotected and unguided. We're setting ourselves up to be picked off! Why does God command us to seek Him at a place of worship? Because churches provide fellowship, accountability, leadership and spiritual protection.
Moses mentions three activities central to God-honoring worship: atonement, giving, and rejoicing. "...there you are to bring everything I command you: your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice possessions you have vowed to the Lord. And there rejoice before the Lord your God..." (Deut. 12:11–13).
Because of Jesus' atoning work on the cross, we no longer need to bring burnt offerings and sacrifices to God. But this does not mean we never need to repent! The prospect of worshipping in the presence of the Lord ought to spur us to humble ourselves, to examine our hearts, to declare as the Psalmist does, "Search me, O God, and know my heart... See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Ps. 139:23–24). Why does God command us to humble ourselves in worship? Because proper worship begins with a proper posture towards God.
The Hebrew word translated 'worship' in this chapter is âbad, meaning to work or to serve (Strong's). True worship is not about what we can get from the experience, but about what we can give back to God. Jesus Himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). We give back to God by faithfully tithing, by using our time and talents to serve His church, and by sharing whatever resources He has given us with those in need. Why does God command us to give as a form of worship? Because giving emulates God's generosity and shapes our hearts in Christlikeness.
To rejoice means to feel or show great joy or delight. God commanded the Israelites to rejoice in His presence, in fellowship with one other, and in everything they put their hands to (Deut. 12:7). Christians should strive for joy in every area of life, but especially in the work of praising the Lord! Scripture says, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (Phil. 4:4). Why does God command joyful worship? Because attitude in worship is more important than appearance.
After laying out God's guidelines for worship, Moses gave Israel a word of caution: "Be careful to obey all these regulations...because you will be doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord your God...be careful not to be ensnared by inquiring about [the Canaanites'] gods" (Deut. 12:28, 30). Moses' instructions made it clear as to what God required of the Israelites. Assimilating into the surrounding pagan cultures was simply not an option!
The same is true for us—we cannot plead ignorance as to what pleases God. His standard for worship is reflected plainly in His Word. The Bible says that true worshippers will worship God “in spirit and in truth” (Jn. 4:23). Many in the church today believe worship ought to be a little more world-friendly, that it ought to meet their needs and conform to their standards rather than Biblical ones. But this type of self-centered or experience-centered worship is focused more on how one feels, rather than on what honors God. Why does God command Biblically-based worship? Because man-based worship is not worship, it's idolatry.
Understanding the 'why' of worship cultivates reverence for God and His holiness. It aligns us with His will. But most of all, it allows us to enter into the glorious task joyfully, humbly, and wholeheartedly! "We ought not to worship God in a half-hearted sort of way; as if it were now our duty to bless God, but we felt it to be a weary business, and we would get it through as quickly as we could, and have done with it; and the sooner the better. No, no; 'All that is within me, bless his holy name!'" (Spurgeon).
Lord, thank You for the privilege of worshipping You! Thank You for the church, Your flock, and the fellowship we share with one another. Thank You for the accountability and protection Your shepherds provide. Keep my worship humble, joyful, generous and pure, O Lord! Help me devote my heart fully to You. May my worship reflect Your Word, not the world. May it be wholehearted, and bring honor to Your Name! Let all that I do be for Your glory (1 Cor. 10:31). In Jesus' name, amen.
Reflection Questions
- Are there any ungodly ‘places of worship’ in your heart that need to be destroyed? Take them to God in prayer.
- If you do not have a church home, who could you talk to about finding one? Why do you think seeking the Lord in fellowship with other believers is important?
- What are some practical steps you can take to cultivate a posture of humility and an attitude of joy before you enter into worship?
- Jesus said, “You cannot serve both God and money” (Matt. 6:24). Why is giving such an important part of worship to God?
- First Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Day-to-day life can be just as glorifying to God as formal worship. How are you honoring God at home, at your workplace, or in your relationships with others?