Why is it important to worship God/ Jane Fryer, writing in the "Today's Light Bible," offers these thoughts: "Two families prepared to go on vacation. One family planned their route in detail, studying the various Civil War sites they would visit. The other family hopped in the car the morning their vacation began. Mom gave Dad the map and asked, "What route should we take to Gettysburg?" Which family will likely get more out of the trip?
People who prepare for an experience and enter it with open eyes not only enjoy the experience more but are better able to notice and take advantage of happy coincidences that spring up along the way.
Corporate worship is like that too. The psalmist encourages us to "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise." (Psalm 100:4) We're always welcome in our heavenly Father's house because of Jesus and His cross. But when the Holy Spirit prepares our hearts, when we think ahead of time about the good things for which we want to thank God, when the Lord's praise bubbles up in our hearts, then our worship in church becomes more meaningful.
Old-time evangelists used to scare people with the words, "Prepare to meet your maker!" But we, as Christ's blood-bought brothers and sisters, can rejoice as we prepare weekly to meet and worship Him.
Jane Fryer is right! Sunday is a day of praise...an opportunity to give the Lord the honor and glory that is His. Sunday is a day of thanksgiving...offering gratitude for countless benefits and blessings we're received. Sunday is a day of remembrance...recalling that Sunday is the day that Jesus sealed His victory and our deliverance from sin, death and the devil. With the psalmist, let's give thanks to Him and praise HIs name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever! (Psalm 100:4-5)
