And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and they purified the people and the gates and the wall. Nehemiah 12:30 – What a special day this was for the people! The wall was rebuilt and now was a day to dedicate it with worship. Worship leaders from all around in the Jewish community were brought into the city, choirs were made, and everyone from men, women, and children were allowed to be a part of this special day of worship to the Lord. We ever read in verse 43 that the worship and joy expressed was heard from far away that day. Yet see what took place before even the first note was sung. There was a purification that took place. The Levities, who were the worship leaders in that day, first purified themselves so they were in the right posture to lead the worship. Then the people were purified and even the surroundings where the worship was to take place was purified. In this we see a truth that is essential to our worship, having a clean heart before the Lord is key to worship that is pleasing to Him. Understand if we step in to church on Sunday and sing our hearts out in worship, but have active, unconfessed sin within our life, what we just gave to the Lord in worship was not honoring to Him. When we have unreconciled relationships with church family, when we have secret sin that is being entertain behind closed doors, when we are in relationships that go against what the Lord commands, all such things taint our worship with sin and it no longer is pleasing to the Lord. As we see done in the chapter, take time before the first note is sung to confess and set aside the sin. Whatever is defiling your life, find purification in it by confession and repentance. Worship that comes from a heart that has turned from it’s sin is a worship that blesses and honors the Lord greatly. Let’s be sure to give the Lord that type of worship each day. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 3409
Question To Ponder: Why would sin detract from our worship?
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