The House of the Lord
The Temple in Jerusalem was the House of the Lord in the Old Testament times. The people journeyed long distances to worship the Lord in His house where He made His dwelling on this earth. It was a joyous time of celebration, and people were glad to hear the call to go to the Temple. (Psalm 122:1) They could offer sacrifices, and sing songs of praise, but only the High Priest could enter the Presence of the Lord in the Holy of Holies, and that was only once a year. That did not dim their enthusiasm for going to God's House. We need some of that joy back today when it comes to worshiping the Lord.
Now, the Holy Spirit lives in every believer. When we gather with other believers, we can corporately enjoy the Presence of the Lord among us. When we are in private, we can go straight to the throne of God, and worship Him, too. It is the most sacred time any person can have. Does that thrill us, though? Are we glad when they say, "Let's go worship the Lord today?" I am afraid for too many Christians it is thought of as an obligation, and others think it is rather boring. I wonder what the difference is between people today and those going up to the Temple? I believe it could be that we have allowed the allurement of the things of this world with all of their technology and splendor to captivate our hearts, instead of the Presence of the Lord to encourage and strengthen us in His own special way. That is a great failure on our part, if that is true of us. We are missing out on the most holy, satisfying experience that anyone can ever have. I pray that we will seek the Presence of the Lord and set our hearts on true worship that brings us into His Presence, so that we don't miss a single day in His Presence.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 123-125.
Now, the Holy Spirit lives in every believer. When we gather with other believers, we can corporately enjoy the Presence of the Lord among us. When we are in private, we can go straight to the throne of God, and worship Him, too. It is the most sacred time any person can have. Does that thrill us, though? Are we glad when they say, "Let's go worship the Lord today?" I am afraid for too many Christians it is thought of as an obligation, and others think it is rather boring. I wonder what the difference is between people today and those going up to the Temple? I believe it could be that we have allowed the allurement of the things of this world with all of their technology and splendor to captivate our hearts, instead of the Presence of the Lord to encourage and strengthen us in His own special way. That is a great failure on our part, if that is true of us. We are missing out on the most holy, satisfying experience that anyone can ever have. I pray that we will seek the Presence of the Lord and set our hearts on true worship that brings us into His Presence, so that we don't miss a single day in His Presence.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 123-125.