The Best Kind of Worship
It spoke of a living church that allowed people to experience a living God.
Reference: “ ‘When the people of the land come before the Lord at the appointed festivals, whoever enters by the north gate to worship is to go out the south gate; and whoever enters by the south gate is to go out the north gate. No one is to return through the gate by which they entered, but each is to go out the opposite gate. (Ezekiel 46:9 NIV)
Explore: This weekend, my friend posted this on her Facebook: “Every single time I have been to my church, without exception, I have walked out feeling better than when I went in. Even when I’ve walked in feeling amazing, there somehow always seems to be a better amazing.”
I loved this comment. It spoke of a living church that allowed people to experience a living God.
It also speaks volumes of my friend. She truly is the type of person who would be open to all that her worship experience could offer.
Application: When Ezekiel was hearing of the temple set up, people were instructed to go out a different door from where they had come in. As Occupational Health and Safety may not have been a great consideration for people living in the years BC, I felt there was a symbolism to this exit strategy.
After you entered into the temple, and therefore into the Lord’s presence, you came out a different way. When we encounter God, we too are changed in such a way that we can no longer be the same.
Coming out of a different door changes us physically, but being in God’s presence should also change us spiritually. If we are open to experiencing God’s fullness, then we are forever changed.
What a powerful way to approach church. Imagine going into a time of worship being so open for God to change you.
God has a desire for us to become more and more Christlike. Let’s be open to what He has in store for us today.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me when I get stuck in my ways. May I be open to Your leading. Amen.
What is God changing within you?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.