How can we ensure our worship remains focused on God alone? Setting the Scene in Ezekiel 8:16 “Then he brought me into the inner court of the house of the LORD, and there at the entrance to the temple of the LORD, between the porch and the altar, were about twenty-five men with their backs to the temple of the LORD and their faces toward the east; they were bowing to the east, worshiping the sun.” (Ezekiel 8:16) Timeless Warnings from a Temple Courtyard - Leaders stood in the very place designed for God’s glory yet turned their backs on Him. - The act was not symbolic only; it was literal idolatry that defiled holy space. - God’s response (vv. 17-18) shows He will not overlook divided devotion. Guardrails That Keep God at the Center - Remember the first commandment: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3) - Love the LORD wholeheartedly (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). - Worship in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). - Submit every act to His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). - Let Christ’s word dwell richly through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16-17). - Hold fast to reverence, “for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29) Practical Patterns for Gathered Worship - Begin services with Scripture that exalts God, not the congregation. - Select songs anchored in biblical truth, highlighting God’s attributes and works. - Preach expositionally so the text, not opinion, directs hearts. - Celebrate the Lord’s Supper and baptism as vivid proclamations of the gospel. - Use technology and stage elements only as servants to the message, never as the main attraction. - Encourage corporate confession of sin, fostering humility before a holy God. - End gatherings with a doxology or benediction that redirects attention to His supremacy. Everyday Habits of Personal Worship - Begin each morning by acknowledging God’s sovereignty before checking devices. - Read and meditate on Scripture systematically, allowing it to shape desires. - Sing or hum a hymn that magnifies the cross while commuting or working. - Memorize key verses on God’s uniqueness (Isaiah 42:8; Psalm 29:2). - Surrender plans and motives in prayer, aligning them with His revealed will. - Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18), refusing to idolize comfort or success. - Guard the eyes and ears from media that subtly normalizes false gods of pleasure, power, or self. Encouragement from the Faithful - Joshua’s resolve: “As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Joshua 24:15) - David’s focus: “I have set the LORD always before me.” (Psalm 16:8) - The apostles’ testimony: “We cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20) By keeping these truths and practices before us, our worship remains fixed on the One who alone is worthy, and we avoid the tragedy of turning our backs on His glory as those men once did in Ezekiel’s day. |
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