Man never engages in any endeavor more noble and worthy than worship. It is the highest form of human response to the revelation of God. Worship is what man does when his eyes have been opened to see God. It can take place anywhere and in manifold forms, but it always places man at God’s disposal and frees him from his limited perspective.

For years, even centuries, much of the church has been deceived into substituting form for worship. Man found comfort in his liturgy and appeased to some degree his inner obligation to do something for God. In latter years, oratory from the Scriptures has been highly acclaimed and given priority over true worship. Teaching has often been the issue around which the programs were built, and as noble as it may sound, evangelism has been erroneously elevated above worship.

In one sense, worship is always a personal encounter, but something wonderful happens when the saints gather and worship corporately. Not only do they reveal a deep gratitude for the shed blood of Jesus that makes access to God possible and applaud the King with their many voices and exuberant praise, but they express the unity of all believers by melting into the body as the head is honored. There is no personal performance - just a group who acts as one focused on the sovereign, loving God who has chosen us to be His own people and given us His very life.

It is in this worship that glory is manifest. People lose their tendency toward self-consciousness as they are engaged by a higher consciousness. Enlightenment comes through worship as darkness is defeated by the light of His presence.

All vital issues come out of worship. It must always be a priority for the individual and for the body gathered. When worship has its proper place, evangelism, teaching and all other ministry will be done in their proper perspectives.

Psalm 149                                      Acts 16:22-34

John 4:19-24                                  Revelation 5