How can we apply the principle of preparation before worship today? Setting the Scene: The High Priest Gets Ready “He is to put on the holy linen tunic, with linen undergarments next to his body; tie the linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are holy garments; so he must bathe himself with water before he wears them.” — Leviticus 16:4 Observations from Leviticus 16:4 • Bathing: cleansing before entering God’s presence • Special clothing: outward reminder of inward consecration • Orderly steps: nothing rushed, nothing casual • Divine command: God—not Aaron—sets the terms of worship Timeless Principle: Preparation Comes Before Worship Scripture treats meeting with God as weighty, never haphazard. The pattern runs from Sinai to the church: • Exodus 19:10 — “consecrate them… wash their clothes.” • Psalm 24:3-4 — “clean hands and a pure heart” required to ascend. • Hebrews 10:22 — “hearts sprinkled… bodies washed.” God graciously calls; we reverently prepare. Connecting the Dots with the Rest of Scripture • Inner cleansing: 1 John 1:9; James 4:8 • Relational clearing: Matthew 5:23-24 • Self-examination: 1 Corinthians 11:28 • Whole-life offering: Romans 12:1 Each text echoes the bath-and-linen picture of Leviticus 16:4. Putting Preparation into Practice Today Practical habits that echo the high priest’s pattern: Physical Readiness • Aim for enough rest Saturday night; drowsy hearts seldom soar. • Arrange clothes, Bible, notebook ahead of time so Sunday morning stays unhurried. • Arrive a few minutes early; lingering in the foyer beats sprinting to a seat. Spiritual Cleansing • Begin Saturday evening (or earlier) with confession: “Search me, God…” (Psalm 139:23-24). • Accept Christ’s full pardon; no worship is richer than forgiven worshippers. Relational Peace • Settle offenses quickly—texts, calls, face-to-face visits—so bitterness doesn’t clog praise (Matthew 5:23-24). Focused Mind • Read the passage your church will study; jot one truth you hope to grasp. • Mute distractions—phones, social media—and give God undivided attention (Mark 1:35 shows Jesus carving out quiet space). Heart Consecration • Pray through Romans 12:1, freshly yielding body and schedule to God. • Sing a hymn or worship playlist beforehand; warm the soul before the service starts. Cultivating a Week-long Lifestyle of Readiness • Daily Scripture intake keeps linen clean; dirt is easier to brush off than scrub out. • Family devotions teach children that Sunday starts on Monday. • Service and generosity through the week turn worship into overflow, not catch-up. Final Encouragement God still invites His people to draw near. Thoughtful preparation—cleansed hearts, reconciled relationships, intentional focus—honors His holiness and multiplies our joy. Enter ready, and watch worship deepen. |
    |