Isaiah 29:13 says: ” The Lord says: ‘These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men.”
This passage sure makes me think. It reminds me that it is so easy to fall into the typical routine on Sunday morning. Show up… greet a few people… grab a bulletin… find a seat… read the bulletin… stare at the screen.
The musics starts. We stand up. Clap our hands a little. Maybe lift a hand when when the music softens. Close our eyes once in a while to get in the vibe. Listen to the message. Take a few notes. Cringe when the offering plate comes. Look at our watch to see how much time before the game starts. Think about a meeting on Monday morning.
How much of that was really worship? I am so guilty of falling into the routine and going through the motions of leading / participating in something that is manufactured to provide an experience. It all looks great, but what is really going on inside.
The verse in Isaiah challenges me to move past the regular routine and bring something authentic in worship.