Sermons On Worship
Worship Leaders
by EXW Staff
January 07, 2002
When Jesus stood up to Satan, refusing to bow down to him, He quoted from Deuteronomy 6:13. But it may surprise you to notice that the word "worship" is not found in that verse.
Although the word "worship" is found 20 times in Deuteronomy, it always is used in a negative warning against worshipping other gods. Then also, in one place there is an exhortation not to worship the Lord like the heathen. Moses said, "You must not worship the LORD your God in their way." (Deuteronomy 12:4) That brings up an interesting question, what does it mean to worship God "their way"?
Well, it could mean that the Israelites were not to raise up idols to worship, or worse yet, to sacrifice their children like the religions around them demanded.
In one Old Testament story we are given a little insight as to how the "others" worshipped. It is with story of Elijah and his confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. The story is well known, Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to set up an altar, and then pray for their gods to light the fire. In this account we get a glimpse as to how they prayed: they shouted, they danced around the altar; they shouted louder and slashed themselves with swords and spears, as was their custom, until their blood flowed. (I Kings 18:26-28)
When it comes to the part about cutting themselves, it seems obvious that that's not the way to worship. But what's wrong with "shouting" and "dancing around the altar"? The Israelites shouted in their worship, and David danced before the Lord.
Look at all the places where reference is made to shouting.
1 Samuel 4:5,6 And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again. And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What meaneth the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? And they understood that the ark of the LORD was come into the camp.
Ezra 3:11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
Psalms 5:11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
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This is the debut album by EXW friend Paul Langford. Paul is a Chicago based singer, arranger, keyboardist, producer and conductor. Paul has a career that spans 14 years. Paul's work includes arranging for groups like GLAD, Voices of Liberty, VoiceTrek, The Chicago based "Caroling Party" and Day of Discovery Singers. His arranging has appeared on recordings side by side with greats like Gene Puerling and David Maddux, and he has sung with Don Shelton, Bonnie Herman and Bob Bowker, among others.