In And Out Of Worship!

Reading through Ezekiel I came across a command which struck me regarding the focus we ought to have when coming before God to worship. The book of Ezekiel contains some difficult things to understand, but the last part of the book points to a time of renewal. Let me first of all admit I’m not certain what all was behind the following command. Perhaps it was merely part of an orderly way in which things were to be done. However, consider this verse and a practical application regarding our own coming together for worship as a congregation of people.

God, speaking to Ezekiel, stated…
“When the people of the land come before the LORD at the appointed feasts, HE WHO ENTERS BY THE NORTH GATE TO WORSHIP SHALL GO OUT BY THE SOUTH GATE, and HE WHO ENTERS BY THE SOUTH GATE SHALL GO OUT BY THE NORTH GATE: NO ONE SHALL RETURN BY WAY OF THE GATE BY WHICH HE ENTERED, but each shall go out straight ahead.” ( Ezekiel 46:9 ESV)

When we assemble together to worship God, do we go out the same way we came in? I’m not referring to the same door, but rather the manner of focus. Is there any change to our life? Do we feel a sense of renewal? Do we leave with a more determined resolve to turn from sin? Do we MOVE ON with a stronger conviction to carry out God’s Will?

Our worship ought to inspire us to keep MOVING STRAIGHT AHEAD in the Way of God rather than returning to the way in which we came. As we come before God with a broken and contrite heart ( Psalm 51:17) we can MOVE ON mended and whole. This ought to be our focus during our own individual quiet times as well. If we truly honor and worship God -- if we sincerely acknowledge His “worth-ship” in our lives -- how can we not MOVE ON differently than we came? May we daily remain open to God’s continuing renewing power.

Have a great day MOVING ON IN GOD’S WAY!
Carl
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[This focus was originally sent 11/13/2001 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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