REAL WORSHIP IS SACRIFICIAL
The drama continues in Genesis 22 as Abraham sets out from his servants with only his son Isaac, the child of promise (verses 5-8). For three days it must have weighed heavy on Abraham's mind that this time his worship of the the Lord would cost him dearly. However, Abraham does not wavier in his faith but gathers what he needs to proceed to do what the Lord has directed. Abraham is willing to sacrifice the very thing that was nearest and dearest to his heart. Could it be that Abraham's faith was so strong because he actually believed that God could raise the dead? Isaac was the child of promise and if he is killed in a sacrifice then the promise can only be fulfilled if he believes God could raise the dead. (See Hebrews 11:19)
Genuine worship is costly because by its nature it requires sacrifices. Sacrifice of time, personal pleasures, finances, selfish desires, resources & one of the greatest things one can sacrifice is pride. Any or all of theses need to be placed on the altar of sacrifice before the Lord. Perhaps this is why so few truly worship since it is not cheap. Genuine and sincere worship necessitates that everything of value be sacrificed and given to the Lord.
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, b the mercies of God, to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." -Romans 12:1 (ESV)
REAL WORSHIP IS SEPARATED
In Genesis 22 Abraham traveled to take his son Isaac to worship God at a designated place. The Lord had asked him to sacrifice his son. For three days Abraham traveled with his son and some servants. Upon nearing the site of worship he said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey; I and the boy will go over there and worship and come again to you." (Genesis 22:5 ESV)
Abraham had already demonstrated his submissive and steadfast character to the Lord and now as he arrives near the mountain the Lord designated he separate himself from every worldly care as best he can. Abraham came ready to worship knowing that sacrifice was involved.
Real worship strives to shut out the world or separate oneself from worldly concerns or distractions. When our worship is controlled by the world it has become polluted or contaminated. You've heard the popular phrase, "Be in the world but not of the world." Look what God says in James 4:4; "Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?"(ESV) God first, and then other things should be our priority. The Lord's church is to be a community of believers who strive to worship God together; not show off the latest fashion, gossip or simply hang out with friends. Real worship can only be achieved if one truly comes prepared to worship and follows through by focusing on the real reason for being in the place of worship.
Do you actually make preparations to worship?
How well do you separate the world from your worship?
What is your true focus when it comes to worship?
REAL WORSHIP IS SUBMISSIVE
In Genesis 22:1-14 we
see where Abraham was instructed by God to go and sacrifice his son
Isaac in worship to Him. Abraham immediately makes all preparations to obey God. Abraham's
actions show us the true characteristics of authentic worship.
God's
command was a very hard one to understand but it was very clear
(vs.1). Abraham was to go off to a designated place to worship by
sacrificing his son.
In
verse 2 Abraham immediately submitted to God's instruction without
making any excuses. We see that a true heart for God is demonstrated by
obedience. Our worship is proved real when we do what God instructs us
to do.
"Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." -Matthew 16:24 (ESV)
Real worship is not just something we do, it is actually who we are! Everything we do is to be a submissive act of worship. What submissive act of worship do you need to do today?
Next week: "Real Worship Is Steadfast"
