Today’s Reading, Exodus 25-27
Focal Scripture: Exodus 25:9 “You must make it according to all that I show you — the pattern of the tabernacle as well as the pattern of all its furnishings.”
The design and heart of the places we worship God matters. I know I will run the risk of sounding legalistic today and that is not my intent. My goal is to bring to your attention that the way we view church and the building we worship in, do not align with scripture. Most of our buildings are designed to bring us comfort. It is my belief that the more we build places of worship that meet our needs, we create an environment that pushes God away.
In today’s reading Moses is given very specific instructions on how to make the tabernacle, the ark, and even the oil. These instructions are given so that the place of worship honors God, not the people. If you go back and look at every description and detail that has been given, it becomes obvious that the individual persons comfort is not the priority. The priority is making much of God and bringing glory onto his name. Every aspect of worship that was given is to minimize the person and maximize the Lord. All we bring is the sin that must be redeemed.
I want you to think about our churches in the US. We have comfy padded seats, air conditioning, large screens, live music with an entire band, video graphics, and even coffee bars. Are these things bad in and of themselves. The answer to that would be, no they are not. However, do these things add to worship or take away from worship? My argument is that they take away from worship. I know what you’re saying and I’m not trying to be legalistic or judgmental. My goal is to question our motives behind our decisions.
I used to be one of the people that believed we needed more of what was stated earlier. However, over the last few years I have realized that less is more. Simple and even liturgical worship creates more involvement. Why? Because the focus is more on God and not the environment.
I know you might disagree with my take, but ask yourself if your church has increased in its love of God since adding all these things. I am not advocating for going back to the 19th century for our worship and churches. What I am advocating for is the following. A sanctuary that highlights God, not a preacher. Worship music that involves the congregation, not a band. Prayer time that is not used as a transition but instead calls out to the Lord of hosts.
If I ever get to be part of building a house of worship again, my questions will be less focused on comfort and more focused on his glory. We all need to be reminded that the glory of the Lord is our goal and it changes everything we do, especially the way we design and build or houses of worship.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Exodus 28-29
