We read in the book of Exodus how God delivered the Hebrew people out of the bondage of Egypt. His purpose was to establish a people who would serve and worship Him as a way of life. This is still His purpose. He calls us out of worldly and carnal ways (sin) to bring us into dimensions of freedom that enable us to live as overcomers and truly experience the joy of the Lord. “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
RELEVANCE
Consider the Hebrew word used in the Bible God used to call His people out of bondage to freedom, avodah. It means to serve, worship, work. So, God sees our serving, worship and work as an integrated way of life. From His perspective, our serving Him and people and our work is how we express our worship towards Him.
God essentially looks for an attitude of humility and heartfelt devotion towards Him in all we do. He considers that worship. It reflects our gratefulness towards Him. It shows our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus how we are grateful for His ultimate sacrifice. He gave His life that we might find our life in His love. God, therefore, looks for gratefulness as we live. He responds to our faithfulness in measures of grace and blessings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart
(Psalm 51:17)
The MESSAGE version puts this in an interesting way.
I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. (Psalm 51:17 MSG)
Hear the heart of the prophet Samuel address the people at the coronation of Israel’s first king, Saul. He encourages the people to serve God faithfully in response to God’s faithfulness.
“Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.” (1 Samuel 12:24-25)
We can also be encouraged by Solomon’s wisdom. He equates receiving and living in God’s grace and truth as ways of living faithfully unto God. It brings God’s favor and blessings.
“Do not let grace and truth leave you — bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will win favor and esteem in the sight of God and of people.” (Proverbs 3:3-4 CJB)
REFLECT – RELATE – RESPOND
In whatever you do, consider the following ways as you serve and work in faithfulness, worshiping God.
Thank God for His salvation and that He is with us at all times;
Surrender to the will of God in humility and gratefulness for His grace;
Ask God for wisdom and strength to understand His will and walk in His ways;
Watch for opportunities to honor and glorify God in situations;
Work and wait patiently for God’s purposes to be fulfilled.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCES
Psalm 34:18-22