We Need to Worship!

Ezra 3:1-7: Upon returning from captivity we see God's people living by "The Book". They rebuild the altar and set it upon it's foundation. (Vs. 2-3) They begin offering the prescribed sacrifices and celebrating the ordained Feasts and Festivals. (Vs. 3-6) They begin the process of rebuilding the Temple. (Vs. 7) This is "what they did", but "why did they do it?" Verse 3 tells us why. "So they set up the altar on its foundation, for they were terrified because of the peoples of the lands..." Did you see their motivation? It was fear. Fear?!!! Immediately I began to recoil at the thought. I could just hear the scoffers revving their engines. "See religion is just a crutch for the weak and fearful!"

How do we answer such attacks? Here is my answer. Speaking as an amputee - crutches are good! I need them. If your legs don't work right you need crutches. If you are sick you need a doctor. If you are lost you need a guide. If you sinful you need a Savior! If you are (spiritually) dead you need (spiritual) life. God's people in Ezra's day needed God and they worshipped. We need God today, and we too should worship. You see with Christ there is no good reason to fear, but without Him there is no good reason not to. This world is a terrifying place, and without the forgiveness of sins the one to come is even worse. "It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God!" Hebrews 10:31 We need to worship because we need the One to whom all worship is due.