An Illustration Of Worship Series

An Illustration of Worship

Nehemiah 8: 1-6; 9:3

This was a very special time for the people of God. The Babylonian captivity was over and the Jews had returned to Jerusalem. God had blessed them abundantly as they rebuilt the city. To celebrate all that God had done, Nehemiah called all the people together for a celebration and dedication service at the public square near the Water Gate.

This was also a sacred time for the Jews. It was during the 7th month, the month when several feasts were held. The Feast of Trumpets was held on the 1st day on the month; the sacrifices for the Day of Atonement were offered on the 10th day, and the Feast of Tabernacles was celebrated on the 15th day of the 7th month.

This was a time of celebration and dedication, but more importantly it was a time for worship. In these verses we see an example of genuine worship. There is a lot that is labeled “worship” in our day, but much of it doesn’t resemble what we find in this passage. I am convinced if we are to worship in a way that pleases and honors God, we must learn to worship biblically. If our worship doesn’t resemble worship in the Bible, then I fear we are not achieving worship. Our society has embraced the idea of “to each his own,” but that simply will not work for worship. I want to examine the elements of worship found in the text as we consider: An Illustration of Worship. As we do, consider the elements of our worship.

I. The Assembly of Worship (1-6)

A. The Congregation (1-6) – This was not just a select group of the religious elite. It was not reserved for the priests and the tribe of Levi. This was a worship experience that all were called to be a part of. Notice the words in the text – Vvs.1, 2, 3, 5, 6. All the people were involved in worship unto the Lord – men, women, and even the children. There were none left out or excused. All were present and in their places.

Modern society would have us believe that worship is for the faint or the feeble. It is viewed as something for former generations. Many youth and young adults see no reason for worship. Biblical worship is essential for all the people. Bring your children to the house of God. They need to hear and be exposed to the Word, the Spirit, and the atmosphere of worship!

B. The Cooperation (1) – All the people were gathered as one man in the street before the water gate. Each was in their place and they were united in their purpose. The people called for Ezra to bring the Word of God. They were all hungry for the Word and desired to hear it. There was no division or discord among them on this occasion.

We need that same cooperation in our worship services. We need to be united in our purpose, desiring to hear from God and worship Him. I trust you have come today with a desire for worship. If we are not united in our purpose, we will never achieve worship together.

II. The Agenda for Worship – The focal point of the worship service was the Word of God. Notice:

A. The Priority of the Word (2-3) – The people of God were hungry for His Word. They were interested in what the Bible had to say. Keep in mind, they had been in captivity and did not enjoy the privileges of worship and biblical instruction they had at Jerusalem. Ezra read the Word of God form morning until midday. They weren’t concerned with time, wanting to get finished and go home. There was emphasis placed on the Word.

As I said, there is a lot that is labeled “worship” in our day, but much of it isn’t biblical worship. There is a great emphasis placed on emotion and entertainment in our day. Biblical worship is centered around the Word of God. That was the focus here and if we are to experience real worship, it must be centered on the Word.

B. The Preaching of the Word (4) – Does that sound familiar? Ezra the priest stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for that purpose, and expounded the Word of God. They had made preparations for preaching. Worship must include the man of God preaching the Word.

I know modern society has gotten away from Bible preaching, but nothing can replace preaching in the worship service. Preaching is essential to worship! God has chosen that method of delivery to share His message and deal with people’s lives. 1 Cor.1:21 – For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. Ezra had a desire to share the Word of God. Ezra 7:10 – For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.