Sermon Snippet – Simply Worship
INTRODUCTION – As part of our ongoing consideration of “the simplicity [singleness of purpose] that is in Christ” (II Corinthians 11:3), we come to Psalm 27. Here, David speaks of “one thing” that is of utmost importance to him (verse 4).
1. DAVID’S DEEP DESIRE WAS TO WORSHIP GOD
“One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; 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” (verse 4). In David’s day, the special location of worship was the “tabernacle” (verse 5). As king, David was a busy man, dealing with issues large and small. He also led the nation’s military; he was a feared warrior. No doubt David sought rest, tranquility, and peace; and the only place where he could be certain of finding these things was in the immediate presence of God. Our culture does not currently value “the beauty” of God – that is, His moral and spiritual attractiveness. We are not encouraged to “inquire,” to ponder deeply the character of God. Far too many people do not have a consistent thought life, opting instead to blindly follow trending social media posts. The Christian has the blessed opportunity to break from the stultifying and stupefying mold of this present world. Time spent in contemplation of the words and works of God is well worth the effort.
2. DAVID WAS GLAD TO WORSHIP GOD
Psalm 122:1 records, “I was glad when they said unto me, ‘Let us go into the house of the LORD!” David approached God with a winsome expectation. The poet-potentate did not ignore reality; for example, he prayed for “peace” and “prosperity” (verses 6-8), as war and poverty were all too frequent and harsh realities. David’s attitude of worship, though, was one of gladness at the opportunity to meet with God and with God’s people. May we follow his good and godly footsteps “into the house of the LORD.”
3. DAVID WAS ZEALOUS TO WORSHIP GOD
He writes in Psalm 69:9a, “The zeal of Thine house hath eaten me up.” David’s exuberant intensity finds a greater fulfillment in the ministry of God the Son, Jesus Christ. John 2:13-17 applies this verse to Jesus as He cleanses the Temple at the beginning of His public ministry. His direct warning then should cause the Church today to tremble: “Make not My Father’s house [a] house of merchandise” (verse 16c). Godly enthusiasm will always lead us away from the shackles of greed into the freedom of the embrace of our Savior.
CONCLUSION – John 14:1-6 tells us of the eternal “House” of the Lord. This heaven-haven becomes our assured future home when we trust in Jesus for salvation. We will worship Him there with gladness and with zeal. David’s desire will be granted in its fullness then, and we will join with him and many others in purity of praise. May our simple worship here strengthen us spiritually – surely it will – and prepare us for worship there.