Psalm 132:7-9 We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.… I. ITS REASONABLENESS. It is true that God is a spirit, and they that worship Him should worship Him in spirit and in truth. It is true that private worship should be regularly observed; and it is true that, without the homage of the heart, no external ceremony can be of any avail. But still it is surely reasonable that our feelings should be expressed in words, and that these words should not be uttered in secret alone. Has God gifted us with the power of speech, and should not this faculty be employed in the worship of the Giver? Has He blessed us with social capacities, and should we not return His kindness by meeting in these capacities, for the purpose of promoting His glory? Is it not regarded as greater honour to even an earthly benefactor, and a stronger proof of our attachment to Him, to speak of His praise to others, than simply to confine this feeling to our own bosoms? In like manner do we testify our love and gratitude to God by public expressions of worship to Him, while we incur blame by neglecting the opportunities that offer for this purpose. Besides, there are certain blessings we receive of a public nature, and which, therefore, ought to receive a public confession. There are certain wants which we need supplied, of a public description, and the supply of which ought, therefore, to be petitioned for, in our public capacity. II. ITS ADVANTAGES. 1. God regards with delight His humble worshippers. 2. This duty is full of the most rational delight to the soul of man. Worship is the noblest exercise under heaven. 3. Worship has a tendency to excite us to the more faithful discharge of duty in general, to improve the various graces of the Christian life. 4. How well calculated, too, is the house of God for begetting in the bosoms of men proper sentiments with regard to themselves! It humbles the pride of the great; it fills with contentment the poor. It levels for a time the difference which the distinction of ranks makes in society. 5. It is a means of our preparation for heaven. (R. Macnair.) Parallel Verses KJV: We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.WEB: "We will go into his dwelling place. We will worship at his footstool. |
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