The Pattern of Worship

What is the relationship between Solomon's worship and ours? What does this text teach us about OUR worship?

I would suggest that our worship ought to look exactly like Solomon's! That may sound strange, but let me explain. Worship throughout the history of redemption has changed a great deal, but it looks remarkably similar from the creation to the new creation. In other words, there is both continuity and discontinuity.

Every worship services described in detail in the Old Testament follows a remarkably similar pattern - Exodus 19-24; 1 Chron 15-16; 28-29; 2 Chron 5-7; 29 (Hezekiah); 35 (Josiah); Neh 8-10.

• The people come into the presence of God through the sacrifice;
• God speaks through his Word
• The people respond with their prayers and praises
• The people partake of the covenant meal.

This same pattern is found in the heavenly worship in Revelation – and is reflected in every NT comment on worship as well...