READ: Deut. 12:1-14
…then there will be the place where the Lord your God chooses to make His name abide… And you shall rejoice before the LORD your God … there you shall offer your burnt offerings, and there you shall do all that I command you. – Deut. 11-14
Moses has now come to the topic of the place and arrangement of the worship services in the promised land in his speech. Israel must not engage in heathen idol worship, which is an abomination to the Lord (vs. 31). Everything related to it must be destroyed (vs. 2-4). The LORD wants one place to have His Name (vs. 5, 14), which is Himself, dwell.
His worship must also not have any heathen characteristics (vs. 4, second commandment). He hates it and considers it an abomination (vs. 31). God wants a contrast, an antithesis between His church, as the seed of the woman, and the seed of the serpent, especially regarding the worship of His name. He asks for a pure, holy, and pleasing worship service. He also requires the same of us, not just during the church service but throughout our lives with Him. The redemption of Israel was intended from the beginning so that the people could celebrate and worship Him. Moses had already told Pharaoh about this purpose (Exodus 5).
But how could the sinful people meet their God? For that, the service of atonement and thanksgiving was necessary: all kinds of sin offerings (pointing to Christ) and thank and vow offerings (vs. 6). These shadows are gone for us since Christ has completed His atoning sacrifice. Therefore, our worship service is also a joyful encounter with God (Hebrews 12:22-24), without sacrifices but filled with reverence and holiness, serving God in a pleasing way (Hebrews 12:28). Dressing it up and adapting it to the world is not appropriate. However, we can express our joy and gratitude for His gracious blessing.
Is worship a cause for joy for you?
Singing: Ps. 48:4