How can we apply the principles of worship from Ezekiel 45:17 today? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 45:17: “It shall be the prince’s obligation to provide the burnt offerings, grain offerings, and drink offerings at the feasts, New Moons, and Sabbaths—at all the appointed feasts of the house of Israel. He will provide the sin offerings, grain offerings, burnt offerings, and peace offerings to make atonement for the house of Israel.” Timeless Worship Principles in the Verse • Leadership bears responsibility for facilitating worship. • Worship involves cost—offerings that are tangible and substantial. • Regular rhythms (feasts, New Moons, Sabbaths) anchor worship in time. • A full spectrum of offerings—sin, burnt, grain, peace—shows worship is holistic: confession, consecration, gratitude, fellowship. • Central purpose: atonement and restored fellowship with God. Christ’s Fulfillment and Our Foundation • Jesus is the once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:12-14); yet the pattern of provision, leadership, and gathered worship still stands. • He is our Prince (Isaiah 9:6; Revelation 1:5), supplying every need for approach to God (Romans 5:1-2). • Because the offering is complete, we now bring spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:5) empowered by the Spirit (Romans 12:1). Applying Leadership Responsibility Today • Elders, pastors, and ministry heads ensure sound doctrine, orderly services, and opportunities for giving (Titus 1:9; 1 Corinthians 14:40). • They model generosity—allocating resources for missions, benevolence, and congregational worship needs. • Congregations support leaders through prayer and willing participation (Hebrews 13:17). Embracing Worship That Costs Something • Cheerful, proportional giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-8) reflects the ancient offerings’ principle of tangible devotion. • Time, talents, and earthly goods are surrendered in gratitude, not obligation (Proverbs 3:9). • Personal sacrifice—fasting, service, acts of mercy—echoes grain and peace offerings. Keeping Rhythms of Worship • Weekly gathering on the Lord’s Day mirrors Sabbaths (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Annual church calendar events (Advent, Resurrection Sunday, Pentecost) honor God’s mighty acts much like Israel’s feasts. • Family and private devotions establish daily “New Moon” moments of fresh dedication (Psalm 5:3). Holistic Approach: Confession to Celebration • Sin Offering—regular confession and assurance of pardon (1 John 1:9). • Burnt Offering—whole-life surrender, expressed through songs of consecration and commitment (Romans 12:1). • Grain Offering—thanksgiving testimonies and stewardship of material blessings (Psalm 50:14). • Peace Offering—shared meals, communion, fellowship events that express unity in Christ (Acts 2:42-47). Purposeful Worship: Centered on Atonement • Every element of service should point to Christ’s redeeming work (Colossians 1:20). • The Lord’s Supper visibly proclaims atonement accomplished (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Preaching, music, and prayers elevate grace, not human effort (Ephesians 2:8-9). Key Takeaways • Worship remains leader-guided, Christ-provisioned, and believer-participated. • Costly, scheduled, holistic, and atonement-focused practices honor God’s eternal blueprint revealed in Ezekiel 45:17. |
    |