When thou goest to the house of God

When thou goest to the house of God

Scripture:-Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil. Ecclesiastes 5:1

Observation:- In this verse, Solomon warns us to guard our steps when we go to the house of God, to be more ready to hear than to give sacrifices in vain. Fools are those who think too highly of themselves, who do not realize their own sinfulness and God’s holiness.

In church today, we often do not come with the necessary reverence. We often arrive late, and sing songs thoughtlessly. Going to church sometimes becomes like a chore, a duty that we have to get done and over with. Our world has become just too busy, too filled with different things for us to really concentrate or revere God on the day we are appointed to meet Him. More often than not, we simply go and come back without really meeting God at all.

Hence, Solomon’s words come as an important reminder to us. Before we go, stop and think, realize that we are entering the holy place and God is there, amidst those who truly worship Him. When we go to church, we must also be prepared to hear from God. There is a time to worship, a time to pray, a time to listen. Even in the midst of worshipping, God can speak to us, and through His appointed minister, there is always something that God speaks to us if we would only give ear and listen.

Singing thoughtlessly or giving tithes ungratefully is like giving the sacrifice of fools. It has no meaning. Before we even start singing, be quiet for a moment, seek the presence of God in our hearts, and then sing honestly, passionately to our Lord. If there is evil in our hearts, we need to repent. If we have not forgiven another, we must set it right and do so, or as Jesus said, our gift will not be accepted by God. The tax collector who beat his chest and asked God for mercy went home justified before God.

Application:- Revere the Lord when we go to church. Pray and be ready to listen to what God may say to us. Quiet ourselves before worship. Ask God for forgiveness and forgive others before coming to God. Throughout the service, have the attitude of seeking God’s presence always in humility.

Prayer:- Lord, give me a humble heart that honors You each time I come before You in worship at church and at home. Let my ears and heart be open so that I may hear You. Teach me to cleanse myself and forgive others that I may worship You in purity and truth. Thank You Lord for all things. In Jesus name, Amen