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ELEMENTS OF CONGREGATIONAL SERVICE (II)
SATURDAY, MARCH 7
Nehemiah 8:9-12

Exodus 24:1-11

 

“…and all the people answered

with one voice…”

 

ELEMENTS OF CONGREGATIONAL SERVICE (II)
 
The third element of congregational worship that is found not only in Nehemiah 8, but also in Exodus as well as other occurrences of congregational worship, is the congregational response. True worship does not only include biblical elements. It also evokes a biblical response from those who are in attendance.
 
Because they had understood the words that were declared (Neh 8:12). The congregation is not a group of passive onlookers, but active participants in the service. This, however, has to be done with the understanding of God and His order, design, Word and Will for man in instituting and requiring worship. Therefore, congregational participation in worship is best learned from Scripture. Today, when we look around, there is much confusion concerning this. As the term states, it is a response, not an initiative. This means that it has to take into account God and His attributes, purposes and intents. The One who draws and calls us to worship has the requirements and standards. As we draw near to Him, we must know what He requires and seeks from us. The congregational gathering attended the service with reverence, attentiveness and commitment, as we have already noted. That constituted part of congregational response, which was based on their understanding of their unworthiness and sinfulness before their most holy God, rather than their emotion. And they mourned their state (Neh 8:9). The Levites then instructed them further to rejoice in the Lord. They responded accordingly after understanding what was required of them by being still (Neh 8:11-12). Just like their fathers at Mt Sinai, congregational response is based on the Word of God (Exod 24:3‑7) and is covenantal (Exod 24:8‑11). From this, congregational response is thus both an exercise and expression of obedience and gratitude to God, who by His mercy and grace, has drawn them unto Himself and spoken to them His Word. Whether done collectively or individually, congregational response must be in obedience to God’s revealed Word.
 
THOUGHT: (Read John 4:23-24.)

PRAYER: (Pray for grace to be obedient to God’s Word during worship.)

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