August 29 Worship Him

August 29

Worship Him

1 Kings 18:25 Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, "Choose one of the bulls and prepare it first, since  there are so many of you. Call on the name of your god, but do not light the fire."

LET'S focus today on Elijah's instructions to the Baal priests to "Call on the name of your god." Simply speaking in our terms, we would say, "Pray to your god." But this phrase is elevated in the Hebrew language to become, "Call on the name of the Lord." This is more than prayer. It means to enter into a definite and conspicuous position to approach God. The instruction speaks of both a physical and an emotional approach to the Lord God of the universe. This is about worship. And the worship would be done in a physical position demonstrating you honor and worship God's authority over your life.

           We see this first in Genesis 4:26 To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord. This beginning of worship was in stark contrast to the account of Cain murdering Abel, Cain continuing to disobey God, and Cain's descendant Lamech bragging of his own murderous heart (Genesis 4:23-24). Seth and his descendants became the line of righteous people living in submission to God's authority on their lives. Seth's lineage led to Noah, then to Abraham and ultimately, of course, to Jesus.  

           Why then is Elijah telling the prophets of Baal to approach Baal in a conspicuous worship position? Elijah is removing any reason they could later say, "It is our fault Baal didn't respond to us." Elijah wanted all to see that the "no response" from the "no god" will be in stark contrast to what happens when Elijah calls on the name of the Lord.

           Do you call on the name of the Lord? Do you get into a worshipful physical position to honor God's authority? The Jews saw that position as arms lifted high, eyes wide open toward the heavens and audible voices praising and petitioning God. We see the worship position as one with head bowed, eyes shut and mouth closed. Some prefer outward displays of worship. Some prefer more intimate actions to call on the name of the Lord.

           This lesson is sure. To truly call on the name of the Lord requires most of all we have a heart in the right position. We must approach God with a heart of love, worshiping him as the true omnipotent, omniscient God, who in his authority has acted to save us from sin! Truly he is worthy. Call on his name. Worship him.

Prayer: Father, bow our hearts to you. Lift up our voices in praise and adoration to call on your name. In Jesus' name, amen.