Compulsory Worship

Worship is not a concept ... it is a requirement. In the American Heritage Dictionary we read that a concept is "a general idea or understanding; a thought or notion". The definition for requirement includes "something of necessity or an obligation". An obligation is "something that is mandated by the law or through an agreement: something that binds oneself to another" and can include a "contract, duties, or promises of a certain course of action". Thus, our relationship with the Father, through the Covenant that we are in, gives us obligations to fulfill. These are not simply thoughts that we are to have, but actions we are to do.

I had difficulty trying to understand how it can be a requirement when we seem to have so many choices ... the most basic being whether we choose to have faith in YHVH or not. To love Him or not is a choice. To follow His commandments or not is a choice we constantly face. At the same time, they are not really choices. If we enter His covenant, we are commanded to do these things. The verdict is clear on what happens with obedience or disobedience (blessing or cursing). Our choices have consequences in all of our life whether at work, with family or friends, with our money, while in private or in public, or with anything else. In all these things, doing good will bring us closer to Him and doing evil will take us away from Him. It should be noted that there is also voluntary worship ... those things that we can choose to do. For instance, there are specific requirements for the tithe and for many of the sacrifices. Yet we can go beyond what is required and give more than the tithe or make a thanksgiving offering. Such things are not required. Our praise and the expressions of our love are like these.

In the scriptures, we read many times "you shall not worship as the pagans worship". Elohim then proceeds to tell us how we are to worship. All the forms of the commandments from sacrifices, to wearing of clothing, to observing certain days are all forms of worship. They all show our submission to His decrees, statutes, and laws. They honor Him because people will know that we are following His ways (the ways of truth and justice) and submitting to His desires for our lives. All these things tell us how we are to approach and have relationship with YHVH. Likewise, Yahshua also said that "if you love me, keep My commandments". Again, instructions on how to have a close relationship. All of these commandments are requirements ... not just concepts to ponder and wonder about for their meaning.

When we speak to new believers, often they are told about the blessings that come with keeping the commandments in an effort to encourage them. However, this leaves out that they are requirements. We are not to pursue keeping the commandments because they bring peace, but because the Father says we are to do them. Those blessings only come through our obedience. It is through our honoring Elohim that He is able to come close to us and bless us. We enter a new level of humility when we keep the laws of the One Most High just because He is who He is.

Perhaps this can be illustrated through a parent / child relationship. Parents have authority over their children and obedience is a right that parents should expect from them. But how much better it is when a child obeys not because of fear of punishment, but because they love and respect their parents. Blessed is a house where children can follow their parents instructions even if they do not understand why the instructions are given. There is peace in such a house because there is trust and love in abundance. Likewise for us, it is a good attitude to do the things of the Almighty because we want to honor who He is and be more like Him. It is a bad attitude when we obey simply because we fear the consequences of the covenant we are in.

The fruits of obedience are fantastic too. When we follow His commands, we see what the Father would do in a situation and we learn so much about love. We learn to have love for Him, we learn how to love our mate, and we learn how to love each other ... for our Heavenly Father does all these things. By following His laws, we follow His footsteps in caring for one another. It helps us to set priorities. We learn to say no to the things of the world and yes to the things of the Father.

When satan tempted the Messiah in the desert with all the riches of the world, His response is (Mat 4:10) "... Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." (referring to Deu 6:13). Worship is more than a concept, it is a requirement. The Passover season will be upon us again next month. Let us examine ourselves before that time. When we follow out His commands to observe this special occasion, when we partake of the last supper, as we think about all that He has done for us; let us consider whether we are living up to our end of the agreement. Are we putting Him first in our lives by living a life that honors Him? Or instead are we living a secular life enjoying the amusements of the flesh and seeking after money, power, or things to make us feel secure. The One Most High loves us and cares for us so much that He entered into covenant so that we might be together for all time. He has told us what He expects of us. Shall we not do it to the best of our ability?