How can we apply the principle of community worship found in Exodus 12:6? The Verse “ ‘You must keep it until the fourteenth day of the month, when the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel will slaughter the animals at twilight.’ ” (Exodus 12:6) What Community Worship Looked Like in Exodus 12 • One shared calendar day—everyone acted “on the fourteenth day.” • One united act—“the whole assembly” participated. • One central focus—the lamb that pointed ahead to Christ (John 1:29). • One obedient posture—carrying out God’s instructions exactly as given. Principles Embedded in the Verse • Worship is designed to be corporate, not merely individual (Hebrews 10:24-25). • God sets the terms of worship; we respond in obedience (Deuteronomy 12:32). • Unity of action deepens unity of heart (Psalm 133:1). • Remembering redemption together anchors a community in God’s saving work (1 Corinthians 5:7-8). Bringing It Into the 21st Century: Practical Applications Gather Intentionally • Prioritize regular, scheduled times when the whole congregation comes together. • Use the church calendar to mark foundational events—Resurrection Sunday, communion services, baptisms. Worship in Unity • Sing the same truths, hear the same Word, and partake of the same ordinances together. • Encourage all ages and backgrounds to participate, reflecting the “whole assembly.” Obey the Word Together • Align worship practices with clear Scriptural commands—reading Scripture publicly (1 Timothy 4:13), praying corporately (Acts 4:24), observing the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:19-20). • Evaluate traditions by the Bible, not the other way around. Celebrate Redemption • Keep Christ at the center; every gathering should highlight His finished work (Colossians 1:18). • Share testimonies of salvation and answered prayer, reinforcing communal gratitude. Serve One Another • Use spiritual gifts for the common good during gatherings (1 Corinthians 12:7). • Provide tangible care—meals, encouragement, prayer—so worship overflows into mutual love. Prepare Personally for Corporate Blessing • Approach each service with a prepared heart—confessed sin, expectant faith (Psalm 24:3-4). • Teach families to anticipate and discuss upcoming gatherings, mirroring Israel’s preparation of the lamb. Corroborating Passages • Leviticus 23:3—“a Sabbath to the LORD in all your dwellings, a day of sacred assembly.” • Acts 2:42-47—believers devoted to “the apostles’ teaching… the breaking of bread, and prayer.” • Ephesians 5:19—“speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” • Revelation 7:9-12—future picture of the redeemed worshiping together before the throne. Living It Out Together When a church consistently gathers, obeys Scripture, and exalts Christ in unity, it reenacts the Exodus 12 pattern. The result is a vibrant community where God’s redemption is remembered, His people are strengthened, and His glory is displayed to a watching world. |
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