Believer's Priesthood

I wondered if I should go to the worship teach in, especially with a piece of work hanging on my head. But I chose to go, and was tremendously blessed. It was a moving message by Pastor Jason about the believer's priesthood.

Our identity is in Christ - we are called to be princes and priests - a royal priesthood. Of course, there are duties of priests, one of which was to offer sacrifice and atonement. In those days, what is it the high priest did that he can enter into the Holy of Holies? He acted more righteous than others? No. Even he had to burn incense until the smoke filled the air, before he dared to enter. That is his attempt to cover the nakedness of the skin, which symbolised sin.

Often I busy myself with activities, seeking out what I should do in line with God's will, how can I serve him where I am. But that itself sometimes brings frustrations as the path forward is clouded and unclear. But God called us not to be human doings, but human beings. He desires devotion before service; obedience before sacrifice. Works are important, but it is not what we do that defines who we are. How true the often quipped saying "We can be ministers in the house of the Lord, but not meet the Lord of the house."

So what is the heart of worship? Matt Redman was once asked by his pastor to not use musical instruments for his worship the next day. He struggled with it, but from this struggle birthed these words:

"When the music fades, and all is stripped away
and I simply come
Longing just to bring, something that's of worth
that will bless your heart...

... I'm coming back to the heart of worship
and it's all about you, it's all about you Jesus"

How sweet are the words in Psalms 23 that says "You annoint my head with oil, my cup over flows." God is able to bless us so much!

Bless me Lord... I want to be restored. I want to be forgiven. I want to clean dust off my altar of worship and once again render praise.