Worship as Favor

Our modern Christian practice tends to reinforce the belief that worship is separate from the rest of our lives. We set aside our Sunday mornings to perform the religious activities of our faith, in a special location that we refer to as the church. But what if God intended for all of life to be sacred? What if He intended for our worship to be continuous rather than a part-time spirituality that we turn off and on?

If we take a look back at the ancient Hebrew culture in which Jesus lived, we find much less distinction between the sacred and secular life. Concepts of work and worship were closely linked in Hebrew life. In fact, their word for worship, avodah, was the very same word they used for work or service.

• Genesis 2:15 says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work (avodah) it and keep it.”

• Exodus 8:1 says, “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord: Let my people go, so that they may worship (avodah) me.”

• Joshua 24:15 says, “But as for me and my household, we will serve (avodah) the Lord.”

All of life is sacred.

And through our avodah—worship, service, and work—we can declare our God’s greatness and offer Him the praise, thanksgiving, and awe that He deserves.

RESPOND

Meditation: Spend some time preparing yourself to serve God with your worship this morning

Connection: What is one way you experience the presence of God in your life (i.e. music, nature, reading/studying, serving, etc.)

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