WORSHIP (2 Kings 14)

Jerusalem, the city God selected from all the tribes of Israel for the worshipp of his name. 2 Kings 14:21 MSG

Hmm, I can discuss Jerusalem or "Name." Either topic could take an entire book. I am sneezing and coughing and my brain's not quite in gear. So bear with me while I offer a few thoughts. 

When I studied the subject of blessing this year, I saw a trend of blessed places. Foremost among them is, of course, Jerusalem. 

Even though Israel had divided in half, God had ordained only one place for their joint worship: Jerusalem. 

Looking back at Jeroboam and his fatal decision to construct golden calves at Bethel--if he had encouraged the people of Israel to worship at the temple in Jerusalem, would God have established his kingdom? A rhetorical question, since it didn't happen, but I wonder at the course history takes.

First and foremost, Jerusalem was blessed as the place God chose as the center of worship. He dwelt with His people, as signified by the Shekinah glory in the Holy of Holies. David described the blessings of worship in Jerusalem this way:

Exclaim over your offerings,

Celebrate your sacrifices
Give you what your heart desires,
Accomplish your plans.  (Psalm 20:3-4)

God intended worship in Jerusalem to be a time of celebration and joy for the fulfillment of dreams. Implied is that give offering and make sacrifices. 

We are to worship God's Name. The Bible tells us more than 100 names by which we know God. But here I believe David is speaking about the name He revealed to Moses:

I AM 

"I am" the God of the living and the dead. Tell them "I am" has sent me to you. "I am . . ." love. holy. compassionate. You fill in the blank with whatever characteristic of God stirs you the most. 

Worship: let us throw ourselves into the joy of worship, in song and dance and shouts of joy. Let us reflect on the object of our worship--the Great I am. 

The light of true worship drives away the darkness of doubt and despair.