THE POSTURE OF WORSHIP!

THE POSTURE OF WORSHIP!

Gen 24:26

26 And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD.

           The small verse selected this morning is the first mention of a worshipping subject falling down or bowing down his head. It is occasioned by an unnamed servant in search of a bride for his master’s son. He had no way of knowing how or when he would meet God’s choice and so he prayed God for a confirming sign. The damsel that would willingly water his camels would be that choice so when Rebekah offered to draw water till the camels were filled the servant knew God had answered. He bowed his head and worshipped the Lord.

           The principal Old Testament word for worship is shachah, "depress," "bow down," "prostrate" while the principal New Testament word (59 times) is proskuneo, "kiss (the hand or the ground) toward," hence, often in the oriental fashion bowing prostrate upon the ground. (from International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia.)

           Our attitude and demeanor in worship has changed drastically in recent years and it is not a good change in my opinion. The difference, I think, is the focus of our worship. Great cathedrals were built for God and modern auditoriums are built for the comfort and convenience of man. The result is stark theaters built for the production of a show.

           My Jesus is not a rock star! He is, however, the rock of my salvation and the bright and morning star. He is the creator and master of the universe who stooped low to find me and to save me out of the mire and muck of my sin. He is the Lord of Glory whom angels serve singing “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty!” Thunder and lightening announce his steps and his voice is as many waters. This kind of God begs a better kind of worship than is currently being offered.

Holy, Holy, Holy

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,

Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;

Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,

Who was, and is, and evermore shall be.

Dear God of all let me enter into your courts with praise. Let my manor of worship be fit for a God such as you. AMEN