Psalms 95:6 - Homiletics

Public worship.

"O come, let us worship." This sublime psalm belongs to the Christian Church no less than to ancient Israel; in a sense, more. For the series of psalms to which it belongs have a prophetic character—they look forward to the kingdom and gospel of Christ. Times without number chanted by white-robed priests and Levites in the temple court, to the clang of trumpets, harps, and cymbals, they nevertheless outstretch the narrow bounds of the old covenant. In Psalms 100:1-5 (the crown of this series) the widest invitation is given to all nations to join in worshipping Jehovah as their God.

I. AN INVITATION TO WORSHIP . What is worship? Our English word means honour and reverence paid to worth— worth-ship. It stands here for a Hebrew word, literally meaning "to fall" or" prostrate one's self;" i.e. (according to Eastern usage) by kneeling, and touching the ground with the forehead. So Abraham before the angels; Joshua ( Joshua 5:14 ); the heavenly worshippers in St. John's vision ( Revelation 4:10 ). So when our Lord was on earth ( Luke 5:12 ); and elsewhere. So it follows: "bow down … kneel before the Lord." Bodily movements are the natural expression of inward emotions. So then spiritual worship is the corresponding feeling; prostration of soul—the knees of the heart. It is the acknowledgment of our dependence; we must add, our sinful unworthiness; and of the infinite worth, majesty, glory, holiness, of our Maker. It is reverence, homage, admiration, carried to the highest pitch—adoration. Other feelings, affections, motives, may enter into worship—wonder, gratitude, joy, love, obedience, trust. But worship takes all these, and lays them on the altar, as a whole burnt offering, consumed in the flame of holy awe. All the sentiments which go to make up worship may be claimed by fellow creatures; but only in measure and limit. Not only self-respect, but jealous regard for God's supreme claim, place such limits. Therefore Cornelius was rebuked by St. Peter, and St. John by the angel ( Acts 10:26 ; Revelation 22:8 , Revelation 22:9 ). But when we behold all good and glorious attributes united in the One Infinite, Self-existent, Eternal Being, the Source of all other being, life, joy, goodness, perfection, reason itself tells us that our worship should be unlimited, absolute. Only blindness, coldness, hardness of heart, and unbelief can prevent the full response of our souls to this invitation. "O come," etc.

II. AN INVITATION TO PUBLIC UNITED WORSHIP . "Let us worship." Worship is worthless if not spiritual ( John 4:22-24 ). Outward forms without spiritual reality may even be hurtful, dangerous, deadly. And perhaps silent worship may be the highest worship: "groanings which cannot be uttered" ( Romans 8:26 ). But public, united, vocal worship has great advantages. It prevents our worship from sinking into mere contemplation and meditation. These are most important aids. But worship is not truly worship unless it is actual converse with God—calling on him, drawing near to him, bowing our souls in his glorious presence. Vocal united prayer or praise greatly helps this—helps us to feel the reality of his presence, and that not only are we thinking of him and addressing him, but that he hears and answers.

III. THIS INVITATION HAS A MEANING AND POWER FOR CHRISTIANS , immeasurably transcending all that it could have for saints of old under the old covenant. Worship has regard not only to what God is in himself, but what he is to us. The pious Israelite worshipped him as "our Maker," the Judge of all the earth, the God of Israel—of Abraham and his children. Christian worship takes in all these considerations. But think what it adds! After this manner pray we, "Our Father, who art in heaven!" We worship the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. We see the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. We have fellowship with the Father and the Son. We have received, not the spirit of fear, but the spirit of sonship, teaching us to say, "Abba, Father!" We have access with boldness through the blood of Jesus. The darkness is past, and the true light shineth ( Ephesians 1:2 , Ephesians 1:3 ; Ephesians 3:14 ; 2 Corinthians 4:6 ; 1 John 1:3 ; Romans 8:15 ; Ephesians 3:12 ; Hebrews 10:19 ; 1 John 2:8 ). Wonderful is the longing desire, holy boldness, nearness to God, of many of the ancient saints ( Psalms 42:1 , Psalms 42:2 , and many other passages)! What ought our worship to be, standing on so far higher a level, where in privilege and knowledge "the least in the kingdom of heaven" is greater than the greatest of them!

CONCLUSION .

1 . The possession of spiritual life is an indispensable condition to the offering of spiritual worship ( John 4:24 ).

2 . Public worship is not only a means of blessing, a privilege, an enjoyment; it is a high and solemn duty. Christians should take earnest pains to fit themselves for taking part in it.

3 . Those who lead the praises of the Church (choristers) have a sacred ministry, calling for consecration of heart as well as ear and voice or (organist's) fingers.