The Art of Worship

Today's readings are in Deuteronomy 24, 25, 26

The first of these readings give law regulations for cases of divorce. Jesus would state 1400 years later that is was "because of the hardness of the heart" that God made allowance for divorce to occur. Other laws followed relating to miscellaneous social items...all important in their own way.

Two interesting (they are all interesting in their own way) principles that surface in the passage is God's welfare system and ways in which the poor are treated, and the last chapter of our reading in relation to worship. First the poor. Many of the laws that relate to the poor seem to want to do one main thing: preserve their dignity as human beings. Reading the passages makes us aware that to be poor doesn't mean God looks at them as lacking in character or respect. The way in which we respond to the poor has much to do with our own blessing.

"When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands."

Charity is an old world that meant "love" long before it meant to give to the poor.

The last part in chapter 26 is a beautiful example of worship. Worship is not limited to extemporaneous acts of praise. It can be methodical, liturgical, and still beautiful. I love this chapter as an expression of worship and the formula is reminiscent of thanksgiving as the first and greatest act of real worship.

"A thankful heart prepares the way for the Lord."

Peace

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

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