The second level: Ascending Upward in Worship
Exodus 24
In order to enter into a new level of fellowship, we should ascend upwards. However, this ascent should start at the altar, the blood and the covenant (first level). Those who ascended further up were mainly the ones who served the people; they had a responsibility towards the people; they were priests and elders, that is, they had walked with God for some time and were set apart to serve Him. A priest is someone who is set apart. An elder is someone who carries the leadership responsibility of the tribe because he possesses divine wisdom and knowledge that qualify him to serve a nation; he is also accepted and respected by the people because he had walked in the fear of God for many years.
Here, we see another form for the fellowship with God. At this level, there is no need for our usual techniques of worship like singing, dancing, crying out, repenting, thanking, praising, etc. All these take place at the foot of the mountain (first level) and shape our worship for a period of time as a first stage in worship. However, when we ascend upwards, we see God and we eat with Him! God reveals Himself to one’s inner being who at that time would still be ignorant of God, possessing only the intellectual knowledge, that is, knowing about God rather than knowing God. This intellectual knowledge belongs to the first levels of worship. However, this level is different. God reveals Himself to the faithful who have walked with him in fear and obedience.
This revelation allows one to enter into a different level and dimension of fellowship with God where the mystical revelations start. God reveals Himself through His word when its mysteries are uncovered and its depth is revealed. This becomes a mystical food on which the soul nourishes and hence is transformed from her fallen nature. Here, the true transformation into the image of God starts. This image had been distorted inside us by the fall. Notice the words: ‘they saw God, and they ate and drank’ (verse 11).
The fear that results from the presence of God disappears at this level, but the soul would be filled with awe. She would realize her reality in the light of God and would desire to hide because of the awe of His presence (Isaiah 2: 10, 11). Also cleansing the heart and exercising love for Jesus leads to a new refreshed pouring of His love into the heart (Rom. 5:5) .This has a lifting power that helps also to bring up into the next level of worship. No words are sufficient enough to describe or teach this level of fellowship. It can only be learned through personal experience; it is a foretaste of the age to come. It draws one upwards. After going through this stage with all its responsibilities, one starts to ascend more as God calls him to go higher.
By Shrineinternational.org
Activity for Today
You may pick one of the 10 attributes of God below as a central focus of your worship today. Meditate on the attribute throughout your day.
- The compassionate and gracious God
- The Eternal God
- The consuming fire
- The Everlasting God (El Olam)
- The exalted God
- The faithful God
- The gardener (husbandman)
- The glorious Father
- The Glory of Israel
Prayer For Today
Lord grant me the grace to climb higher in worship. May I walk in fear and obedience of you oh Lord. Jesus lead me to a new refreshed pouring of your love into my heart, a love that is evident to all.
Music For Today
‘Yahweh’ by Kofi Karikari