Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, September 30, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-09-30-2017

This is devotional thought number 17 in our devotional series, “Removing the Veil: Sanctuary Living in the 21st Century.” Our subject is: Decency and Order

Here’s the question for consideration: Does God care how we appear before Him?

“Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.” (Exodus 20:26).

Sanctuary living demands decency and order, especially in the worship setting. Too often, God’s people appear before Him with little or no regard for how our presence impacts God and fellow worshippers. Do we represent God well when we appear before Him? Do hinder or distract other worshippers? What if we are ministering? How do these considerations impact ministry in the congregation?

Clearly, there was a practical application of our theme text in the Old Testament sanctuary setting. Not only did God require that no steps were to lead up to the altar so private parts remained private, but the guidance for priest’s garments illustrated the same principle. Notice what the Bible says: “And for Aaron’s sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty. And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me in the priest’s office. And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach: And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.” (Exodus 28:40–43). It was a serious thing to appear before God. Not only did God command that the people clean their garments, but He also commanded that the priests be consecrated and appropriately attired lest they be found guilty of deliberately ignoring God, and in their rebellion, be destroyed.

How can we apply this in our day? Simple. We all must self-assess our attitudes when we appear before God in worship and ministry. Do we appear before Him with repentance, confession, and submission? Do we recognize that certain elements of the world’s fashion paradigm are dishonoring and distracting in the assembly of God’s people and truth seekers? Are we, both men and women, discreet or do we wear clothing that brings attention to our nakedness or sensuality? Don’t worry. I’m not about to prescribe a measure for tightness of men’s clothing, exactly how much skin is acceptable, or what length or tightness is acceptable for women’s clothing. Just remember that you are appearing before the King of the universe and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. God was making a distinction between His people and the heathens in worship, and still is. He was providing a blueprint to help His people focus on heavenly things, and still is. The idolaters often used sensual and lewd displays and behaviour to appease their false gods. Let us surrender our hearts, motives, lives, and choice of dress to God so we can honor and represent Him well, rather than appeasing our sensual desires. Does God care how we appear before Him? Of course!—L. David Harris (www.LDavidHarris.com)

#theprotestisnotover #sanctuary