“One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple.” Psalm 27:4
I remember reading this verse years ago and thinking “David wants to be in church all the time?” I suppose I should want that, but it sounds kinda lame. 😊 At the time my vision of heaven was such that it was hard to imagine it not getting bored at some point. I mean floating around on clouds just singing all the time? However, David’s words reflect two very important truths for the Christian: the centrality of worship and the centrality of the church.
Worship is central to our life. Everything we do out in the world should flow out of our worship like the river flowing out of the temple to heal the nations in Ezekiel and Revelation. In worship God meets with us, He brings us “to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven.” (Hebrews 12:22-23), He strengthens our faith, and we could go on and on. In worship, we learn to appreciate and behold the beauty of the Lord.
David also reveals the primacy of the church. The church is the body of Christ. It is His bride and Jesus cherishes His bride. John tells us that all who love God love the brethren and vice versa (I John 4:20-21) In fact he goes so far as to say we must love the brethren. God has given all who are born again spiritual gifts that Ephesians 4:12 tells us is for the edification and maturing of the church. That’s why we are here, to build and defend the church which is the New Covenant temple, the house of the Lord. (Ephesians 2:21).
In the rest of Psalm 27 we find that the effect of devoting ourselves to worship and the church is peace, safety, courage, and victory over the enemies of God. Far from being lame, that is true glory!
His mercy endures forever!
Pastor Flynn
Photo by adrianna geo