Come let us worship... Come let us obey
I have friends who are at Disney right now preparing to see U2 in concert at the Sphere. It will be a concert like never before. I imagine them in their hotel rooms dressing up, getting properly primped for this spectacle. "Let's go! Let's hurry! Let's... (shall we say) party!" There is nothing like getting pumped for a big, exciting event. Celebrations, concerts, ball games... we are drawn to communal events of celebration! Come! Let's Go! Let's Celebrate!
Psalm 95 is a pure picture of this desire to join together in celebration. Come let us worship, humble ourselves and give thanks! The difference in this and the excitement of a concert is the object of worship or celebration. We have a triune God who made us, loves us, guides us and cares for us. Celebrating Him requires humility, the acknowledgement of the great power and sovereignty of our Maker, and the understanding of our place as his creation. The character of God demands our praise. What if we approached opportunities to worship as we do opportunities to indulge in worldly celebration and entertainment? What if there was environment palpable with excitement as we begin to sing together in worship on Sundays...or to fast and pray together... or to sabbath with one another?
Psalm 95 also reminds us to obey together. The Psalmist tells us not to be like those who have come before us, demanding of God what we think we need, rather than praising him for what we have. Humility. This sin of turning our backs on God and becoming bitter is also addressed in the context of community. They were bitter and God was angry with them. God punished the entire nation by not allowing them to enter their rest. God created us for community. We need to gather together, bringing along our brothers and sisters in Christ for worship. We need to bring ourselves together with excitement and humility, eager to praise the God of creation.
Praise God that we are in a place of community. We have the power to affect those around us through worship and obedience, Come, let us obey together. Come let us worship together. Come let us celebrate the goodness of God at all times with excitement and humility. Let us encourage one another to worship and obey.
- Angel C.