Vicar Jacob Kieselhorst • February 25, 2024
Rethinking the Worth of Worship
Person A never attends worship. He can’t see the point. Person B attends every week out of a slavish sense of obligation. Her mind wanders during the services, for she views the activities of worship merely as tasks for her to complete. Who is worse off? Rather than debating the point, let us just admit neither understand the true worth of worship. And that is exactly what Satan wants.
Many think worship is about what we do for God. It is the other way around. As we gather around Word and sacrament, the Spirit moves us to love and trust in God above all things. Moved by the cross of Christ, we bow down before our God. We commune with him. And that’s exactly what God wants.
New Paragraph
He Lives To Take Me From Death To Life Without the resurrection of Jesus, death would appear permanent. No one would have come back from the dead to explain what happens after death. Jesus told his disciples what would happen. But they were slow to believe the Easter truth. God ensured that his people had witnesses to assure that Jesus did not remain dead. He Lives, and it make a difference! I too shall live! Death has become a pathway to paradise. Jesus has already made me spiritually alive by giving me faith in his resurrection. In every possible way, Jesus takes me from death to life.
I recognize the danger of death. I am tempted to wonder whether my life was worth it if I do not leave a legacy or live on in the memories of my loved ones after I die. When my soul separates from my body, will I also be eternally separated from God in hell? Jesus promises much better. He promises life. One day I will be reunited with my believing loved ones, both soul and body. I will live with Jesus forever in eternity. Jesus raised people from the dead to prove his power over death. That’s exactly the power I need.
