Tag Archives: Go to God

Sad Worship

Posted in Daily Devotions: Chapter by Chapter by

True WorshipTears

Today’s Devotion: Numbers 28-29

In my commentary, Dr. Vernon McGee describes the worship described in Numbers 28-29 best. “Now what does this mean to you and me? We hear a lot today about worship and worship services. But how much is true worship in our services? How much is just aimless activity? Real worship is when we think God’s thoughts after Him. This sweet savor offering which God speaks of as My offering, My bread, My sacrifice, represents what God thinks of Christ. God is satisfied with what Christ did for you and me on the cross. What about you? Are you satisfied with what Christ did for you on the cross? Are you resting in that today? His invitation is “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). Have you brought your burden of sin to Him and received Him as your Savior? Are you satisfied with who He is? If He is not the Son of God, then what He did is absolutely meaningless. True worship is a recognition of who He is and an adoration of His Person. In other words, it is thinking God’s thoughts after Him.”

Have you ever thought of worship as being sad? When I think of worship I picture hands lifted, eyes closed, hearts connected and praises sung, but then I search my heart and remember that my most raw, heart-filled, genuine, God-centered worship has been on my knees, tears flowing, eyes puffy, nose running and auditory weeping.

Numbers 28-29 reminds me that sin is ugly and when we truly see ourselves has sinners, we become aware that sin robs us of our fellowship with God; sin is an occasion for mourning. When was the last time you wept over your sins? Have you been before God and wept over your sin, over the failure of your life, over your coldness and indifference? My, how we need to confess that to Him today. It is not because God is high and we are low, or because He is great and weare small, nor because He is infinite and we are finite that we are separated from Him. He says it is our sins that have separated us from Him. That is the occasion for weeping.

I realize it is really our lives that are an act of worship and we don’t want to be wandering depressed souls living aimless lives that is a constant beat down of our inadequacies, but an occasional pause to put things into perspective is not a bad thing. I think that is why much of the book of Leviticus and now a detailed reminder of God’s offerings are reiterated here in Numbers.

When God Says, “Shut Up!”

Posted in Daily Devotions: Chapter by Chapter by

Silenced

Today’s Devotional: Numbers 17

I love God’s sense of humor. I think this might be the funniest chapter in the bible. I literally laughed out loud reading this incredibly short chapter that really packs a punch!

God tells the prince of every tribe to bring a dead stick (rod) to the tabernacle and that whichever rod sprouts, belongs to the prince who is worthy of having Godly authority on earth. Not only was Aaron’s rod the ONLY rod that sprouted, but verse 8 it says, “The next day Moses entered the tent and saw that Aaron’s staff, which represented the tribe of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds.”

Awesome!

And here’s the kicker – it was once dead and is now alive! Sound familiar? Plus, can you image how the other tribes felt when they realized they better buck up because it is clear that God chose Aaron to lead the people, not them? They have been among the Israelite complainers so God gives them a solid answer, which I think says, “Shut up!” Like only God can.

Then they babble in shock, verses 13-4 say, “The Israelites said to Moses, “We will die! We are lost, we are all lost! Anyone who even comes near the tabernacle of the LORD will die. Are we all going to die?”

Perhaps that is where my humor comes on this early Saturday morning. My ability to relate to these poor Israelite men. I want to get something my way and then God makes it clear that I’m not the one, can’t, or won’t. I have have resorted to having my own pity party and, in all honesty, has gotten a little over dramatic at times; just like the Isrealities here.

The best part of this message is that God raised the dead, which symbolizes Jesus, but also has a lot to say about what He can do in our lives. Dr. Vernon McGee says it best, “Friend, do you need mercy? Do you need help today? Is life monotonous? Is it stale, flat, and unprofitable? Then go to the Lord Jesus. He is up there for you, your Great High Priest. Are you lonely? Go to Him. Is life a battle that you are losing? Are you defeated? Go to Him. Is life a struggle against temptation that you cannot overcome? Go to Him. Is life a horrible mistake and you need wisdom at the crossroads of decision? Go to Him. Is life shrouded with sorrow for you today? Go to Him. He is our Great High Priest by His resurrection from the dead. He is alive! He is up there for us today!”

McGee, J. Vernon (1984-01-06). Thru the Bible Commentary, Volumes 1-5: Genesis through Revelation (Thru the Bible 5 Volume Set) (Kindle Locations 19170-19172). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition.