The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

JESUS EXPANDS THE PLACE OF TRUE WORSHIP

The place of worship in the Old Testament was extremely important. The presence of God rested on the place he chose. Unlike the false places of worship — that were creations of cultures surrounding the Israelites — God commanded that true worship would occur only in the place he designated. In these verses, Moses contrasted the false places of worship so prevalent at that time with the place of true worship chosen by God. The preeminent means of access to God was found in the tabernacle while Israel wandered in the wilderness and for many years after settling in the promise land, and later in the temple in Jerusalem.

The place of true worship is just as important today as it was at that time, but God has expanded the reality of “place.” In Jesus, the place of worship is no longer limited to a specific physical location (Jn 2:18 – 22). Now the Spirit of God dwells within believers, and our bodies serve as the temple of God (1Co 6:19). This is why Christians are able to “pray continually,” meaning, worship God wherever they are, at all times (1Th 5:17).

Jesus, thank you for freeing me to worship you in spirit and truth no matter where I am or what I am doing. Help me to live prayerfully, worshipfully and fully submitted to your Spirit inside of me. Amen.