Come and Worship
By Vernette Kureck
“When all the work Solomon had done for the temple of the Lord was finished,
he brought in the things his father David had dedicated - - the silver, gold, and
all the furnishings - - and he placed them in the treasuries of God’s temple.”
2 Chronicles 5:1
(NIV)
Summer is an easy time to neglect
public worship. After all, it is really simple to praise and worship God while
sitting on a soft, sandy beach or climbing (in my case, viewing) a rugged, beautiful
mountain. His glory is always manifested in nature, and the night skies do
reveal His majesty. While it is true that God can be worshipped anywhere, there
is something to be said for gathering together with other believers.
Early on, Christians met and
worshipped in all kinds of structures. Whether it was the catacombs in Rome or
the house churches of Corinth, they gathered together. As the faith grew and
Christianity was legalized, years (sometimes centuries) were spent on
constructing sanctuaries to honor and praise God. So even though God can be
worshipped anywhere, believers have always been driven to build dedicated
places of worship. It is the idea of entering into the presence of God. A
sacred place. A place set apart for Him.
When Solomon dedicated the temple,
all of the priests, elders, musicians and the entire assembly of Israel were
present. It was a grand celebration with trumpeters, cymbals, harps and lyres
giving thanks and praising the Lord in one voice. Do you recognize the words? “He
is good; His love endures forever.” There were so many sheep and cattle
sacrificed that they couldn’t even be recorded. And then the temple was filled
with a cloud… The same cloud that had led the people from Egypt. The shekinah
glory was so great that the priests couldn’t even perform their service. [1]
Not every Sunday is a dedication or
special event. But every Sunday is an opportunity to experience the
Holy Spirit moving in, around and
through the body of believers gathered together. Occasionally, we will get
visitors from the County Park Campground down the road, or people just passing
through. How wonderful that they take the chance and time to experience God with
Oakwood. As you enter into corporate worship, know that you are entering into
the very presence of God. Open your soul to what He has for you. It is good…and
HE loves you forever.
[1] 2 Chronicles 5:13
GOING
DEEPER:
- When traveling, do you take the opportunity
to worship with other believers? Try googling churches in that area.
- Look around on
Sunday; greet and engage any new faces.
FURTHER
READING:
Vernette and her husband Ken have
been married 49 years. They have been blessed with eight grandchildren from
their two sons and wives. She serves Oakwood on the prayer chain and with
Family Promise.
