From Worshiping to Warning

Text: Psalm 95
Theme: Worship can sober us to see God’s perspective of disobedience.
Key verses: “Come, let us sing to the Lord!” (v. 1a). “For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods” (v.3). “Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today! The Lord says, ‘Don’t harden your hearts as Israel did…” (v. 6-8). “For forty years I was angry with them, and I said, ‘They are a people whose hearts turn away from me. They refuse to do what I tell them” (v. 10).
What God said to me: Dwayne, I don’t take rebellion lightly. I don’t tolerate disobedience from my children. The Psalmist realized this. In fact, it was while he was worshiping me that the thought of sinfulness became so repulsive to him. Notice what he said in Psalm 95:7 of your QT text today. Notice how he went straight from worshiping me to warning people. It almost seems reactionary–like it suddenly hit him: “How can we have a God that’s this awesome and who loves us this much and not want to listen to him?” The mere thought of this struck him as absurd. Worshiping me for my greatness and for my great care naturally and immediately led him to pleading with his readers to obey me. Dwayne, when you get even a glimpse of my glory you, too, will be appalled by sin–first by your own sin and then also by the sin of others. When you have truly worshiped me, your entire perspective about disobedience will begin to change. This is precisely why worship is so vitally important to break chains of addiction and to set people free. Worship turns your attention toward me, and it warms your affections for me. True worship causes you to want to please me out of renewed reverence, godly fear and sincere appreciation. Come, worship and bow down. Kneel before the Lord, your God, your maker. In so doing, how could you not then listen to me more closely and obey me more carefully? I am your God. I watch over you and love you. I deserve your obedience motivated out of your deep love and adoration for me.
What I said to God: Holy, awesome, just, majestic Creator and God, You are the Lord over all the earth. You are my Lord when I choose to obey You. You know I recently rebelled and did not listen to Your voice or obey Your Word. Please forgive me. Cleanse me, and I will be whiter than snow. Thank You for showing me today the importance of worship to change our perspective and motivate us toward holiness. Help me worship You more fervently, more consistently and more freely. Watch over my family today, and grant us an opportunity today to share our faith with someone who needs Your love.