Preparing for corporate worship January 22

Reading God’s Word and preaching God’s Word are two integral aspects of corporate worship. Neh. 8:1-8 provides a powerful and insightful picture of this. God’s people gather in the square in Jerusalem, and Ezra the priest reads to them from the book of the law of Moses. Verse 3 says “all the people were attentive to the book of the law.” The Levites “explained the law to the people while the people remained in their place,” according to verse 7. This time of worship by God’s people includes the reading of Scripture and the explanation of Scripture. We read the Bible in corporate worship, and it reveals to us who God is and what He has done. We respond in praise, thanksgiving, confession, submission and supplication. A preacher/teacher explains God’s Word to us that we might know Him better and be conformed more to the image of Christ. As we gather this Sunday, may we do so prepared to hear God’s words and to respond to Him in worship marked by love, faith and obedience.