TOPIC: Deficiency of Worship Rituals
Opening Prayer: As I read through this passage dear Lord, let your word bring transformation to my life.
Scripture: Hebrew 9:1-10
Question(s) for Reflection
• What is God revealing to me in this passage?
Worship under the old and the new covenants are different just like the covenants themselves. Worship under the old covenant had elaborate rituals and rules but they were all earthly and mundane (vs.1-5).
Read vs.6-8 again. Only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy place (Holy of Holies), however not without sacrifice for himself and others. This restricted access means that the way to God’s presence was not fully opened under the old covenant (v.8). What does this teach us about observance of mere external worship rituals (v.9)?
In what ways do we practice futile rituals and rules similar to those under the old covenant in our worship today? Rituals and rules are good, but they are not the most important things about worship. Most worship rules and rituals are merely external. They are about the body; transient, with little effect on the heart and unable to bring about transformation (v.10, Isaiah 64:6).
The most important thing about worship is a transformed heart (Romans 12:1-2). And only a truly spiritual relationship with the Lord Jesus, not rituals, can give us unrestricted access to God (See John 4:23-24).
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
• Lord, deliver me from all self-righteousness and mundane practices that may be robbing me of having free access to you. • Ask the Lord of grace for greater success in the coming week than in the passing week.
Prayer for the week
Pray for leadership of the Scripture Union Nigeria and International; the National Chairman, the General Director, the Council members and other international leaders. Pray that God will revive the work among the children, youths and families in this end time. Pray for Christ Apostolic Church.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with
• 1 Kings 8-9; Matt. 8:1-17
Scripture Union Daily Guide 15 May 2021. Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.