(Leviticus 19:30, 26:2)

 

1. PREPARE YOURSELF – BODY, MIND AND SOUL – FOR WORSHIP.

In Exodus 19:10-11 the LORD commanded Moses to tell the people how they were to prepare to be in the LORD’s presence.

And the LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes and be ready by the third day, because on that day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.”

They were to take sufficient time, to consecrate themselves physically and mentally – putting on clean clothes, resting from their journey.

How do we prepare for Sunday worship service?
What is your Saturday night like?
Do you go to bed early so as to ensure you are up early so as to be punctual and alert during the service?

2. REMOVE ALL THINGS THAT DEFILE THE LORD’S SANCTUARY.

When King Hezekiah succeeded his father King Ahaz of Judah, he introduced comprehensive religious reform. He repaired and reopened the temple which his father, bent on pagan worship, had closed.  He told the people, “Consecrate yourselves now and consecrate the temple of the LORD, the God of your fathers. Remove all defilement from the sanctuary.” (2 Chronicles 29:5)

This he did by “removing the high places [or shrines], smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles. He broke into pieces the bronze snake Moses had made, for up to that time the Israelites had been burning incense to it.” (2 Kings 18:4)

He was committed to reviving the relationship between God and the people. He was not afraid even to destroy the bronze snake that God instructed Moses to make, as the people were worshipping it.

What might we be bringing to the sanctuary that defiles it?
• our unconfessed sins,
• an unrepentent spirit,
• unforgiveness or  hatred against a sister or brother,
• a judgemental or critical spirit,
• idols that control our thoughts and actions,
• a prideful or boastful spirit,
• offerings and sacrifices that are blemished, that cost us nothing …

3. WHEN IN THE LORD’S SANCTUARY

• Talk only to God
• Listen only to God
• Speak only with God

 

~ Kwok Wan Yee