This topic I am looking at has been taking up some of my thoughts a lot lately. As that I have been seeing it in an important role for my daily walk. Along with prayer, I believe it to be a vital place to start getting prayers answered. It’s also vital for the church to do correctly in order to fulfill its purpose in this world. But with this posting lets look at it for us individually.

We’re going to look at 3 examples from the Word. The first is in Joshua 5:13-15 (NKJV). Here we have Joshua looking at a man opposite him with a drawn sword. Then he asks the man if he is for them or is he for his enemy. The man’s response is found in v.14. It states “No, as Commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Joshua in response falls on his face to the earth and worshipped. Notice that he didn’t hesitate in his actions. No fumbling with words, no negative reaction, or anything like it. Nor was there any slow music playing. He fell prostrate before our Lord and worshipped Him.

After falling face first to the earth He asked “What does my Lord say to His servant?” Once again the focus on our Lord not himself. He put himself in a position to receive and be obedient. Then the Lord tells him to remove his sandals for where he is standing is Holy Ground.

Worship as found in the Strongs concordance is #7812 Heb. shachah; to depress ie prostrate, bow down, cause depression, lie down, prostrate self, worship. So, what Joshua did was correct. He worshipped first.

Next example is found in Psalms 29:1-2 (NKJV). It says “give unto the Lord, o you mighty ones, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” A key word here is holiness.

Holiness as found in the Strongs concordance is #6944 Heb. qodesh; a sacred place or thing, sanctify, consecrated, dedicated, hallowed. Meaning a holy thing holiness and sacredness. So we can say that in this set of verses we should worship in the beauty of a sacred place. Now, does this mean that we are to to it in church? the answer is yes. But it is not limited to the church setting. We can worship at home, in our car, at work or just about anywhere. Remember that our Lord said that where he is is Holy Ground (Joshua 5:15 and Ex 3:5). The presence of the Lord is a sacred place.

Our last example is in John 4:20-24 where Jesus is talking to the woman at the well. After Jesus tells her all about her life, the woman starts talking about where they worship. Jesus responds by telling her that a time is coming where they will worship neither on the mountain or in Jerusalem. But that true worshippers will worship in spirit and in truth. For God is spirit and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth. Remember that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). Once again there is no mention of it only happening in church. Or even only with slow songs.

So, what have we learned? That Joshua showed us to be humble and obedient in worship. King David, to do it in holiness and to give Him glory while doing it. Then Jesus tells us to do it in spirit and in truth. People lets worship Him in a manner worthy Him.

Be blessed, Ken