We
are called to "worship God" (Revelation 19:10). Our worship is to be
with reverence and joy. "Be still: "This is the call for reverence
(Nehemiah 8:11). Alongside this reverence, there is to be joy: "The joy
of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10). We are to "rejoice" in
the Lord (Revelation 18:20). This joy is not a superficial emotion. It
is accompanied by the reverence which comes from taking seriously the
"woe" that is pronounced on the "great city" that lives for this world
only (Revelation 18:19). Joyful worship arises from "a great multitude
in heaven" (Revelation 19:1). Four times, in Revelation 19, we read,
"Hallelujah!" (Revelation 19:1,3,4,6). "Hallelujah" means 'Praise the
Lord.' Our praise is to be characterized by joy: "Let us rejoice and be
glad and give Him glory!" (Revelation 19:7). This joy is grounded in an
awe-inspiring face: "Our Lord God Almighty reigns" (Revelation 19:6).
"Praise the Lord": These are the first words and the message of Psalm
148. The 'choir' which praises the Lord is truly astonishing (Psalm
148:1-4). Our song of praise participates in the song of praise which
arises from God's whole creation. This inspires us to worship Him, more
truly and more fully.
There is to be prayer from “every one who lives in the land” (Joel 1:14). It is to be personal prayer - “O Lord, I cry to You for help!” (Joel 1:19). These two belong together - prayer for the nation and personal prayer. This is expressed so well in the words: “O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee. Send a revival. Start the work in me.” We hear the words, “Return to the Lord, your God” (Joel 2:13). They are followed by some wonderful words about the character of God - “He is merciful and compassionate, patient and always ready to forgive and to change His plans about disaster” (Joel 2:13). How do we know that God is like this? We look at what He has done for us - “Be glad and rejoice. The Lord has done great things!” (Joel 2:21). Looking at all that the Lord has done for us, we trust His promise: “Whoever calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved” (Joel 2:32). This salvation is more than forgiveness for past sins. It’s more than the future glory of being in God’s ev...
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