THE BUSINESS OF WORSHIP
Today's reading: Exodus 24-27

"Moses took half the blood from these animals and drew it off in basins. The other half he splashed against the altar." Exodus 24:6 NLT

In an effort to follow God's commands...

In a human attempt to show gratitude, praise, honor, awe and obedience...

In the way God had instructed them to signify the proof of forgiveness and the power of blood being shed for another...

Moses and the Israelites worshiped.

And worship, done the right way, can be a messy wonderful thing.

It can flow from a heart filled with grief or joy.

It can exhibit itself in a smile or sob.

It can result in lifted hands or a mascara-smudged, tear-stained face.

It can look like a service where the preacher doesn't get to preach and yet the Word goes out to the hearts.

It can consist of the altar being used at all times, by all people, for all kinds of needs.

It can be one powerful song leading to another powerful song leading to another, all led by the Holy Spirit.

It can start with a verse being read. A passage being quoted. A promise being restated.

But done right, worship is going to get messy, because it will get to the heart of the worshiper and up-end all that is hidden, pushed back and set aside. Sins will be overturned. Bitterness will be swept out. Chains will be broken and left lying in a pile.

Blood will be spilt.

Yes, worship, done the right way, will be messy. And beautiful. And always God honoring.