The Goal Of Worship

When we sit through a play, we attentively watch the actors on stage. If we are sufficiently entertained, we show our gratitude with applause. The church assembly, however, is quite the opposite of the theater. When we worship the God of heaven, He is the audience.

What matters most takes place with the hearts of the congregation — not on stage behind the pulpit. When we leave a worship service, we should not ask ourselves, "What did I get out of it?"; but rather, "Was God pleased with my worship to Him?" (John 4:23-24).

God took great pains in specifying the details of animal sacrifices for the ancient Israelites in their worship (cf. Leviticus 1-9). And yet, He stated that He didn't need their animals.

"I will not take a bull from your house, nor goats out of your folds. For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills" (Psalm 50:9-10).

What God really wanted, was their worshipful praise and obedience. He told them: "Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God" (Psalm 50:23). By focusing only on the externals of worship, we too miss the point. The Lord is interested in a sacrifice of the heart — an internal attitude of submission and thanksgiving (Romans 2:28-29).

The goal of worship then, is nothing less than to assemble and please our Heavenly Father, as our Savior did — and not ourselves (John 8:29; cf. John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets