In an individualistic world, it is common to hear of people who are ‘spiritual but not religious,’ or who prefer to ‘seek the divine’ personally rather than identify with ‘organised religion.’
Old Testament scriptures describe David, the man after God’s own heart, and his establishing a pattern of regular and corporate worship in Israel. In contrast therefore to our prevailing culture, scripture teaches that worship is to be regular and corporate, rather than solely individual and random.
1 Chronicles 6 outlines elements of this worship:
- Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests were to blow the trumpets regularly before the ark of the covenant of God. (1 Chr 16.6)
- Asaph and his associates had regular responsibilities, in fact each day. (1 Chr 16.37-38)
- David left Zadok the priest and his fellow priests before the tabernacle of the Lord at the high place in Gibeon to present burnt offerings to the Lord on the altar of burnt offering regularly, morning and evening, in accordance with everything written in the Law of the Lord, which he had given Israel. (1 Chr 16.39-40)
- Heman and Jeduthun were responsible for the musical element of the worship. This was something which was previously mentioned only in passing. David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, incorporated music into national worship in a substantial way. (1 Chr 16.41)
David delegated this to gifted and godly people.
This was essential for a strong nation. And essential to promote truth and righteousness.
The New Testament also refers to Christians regularly gathering – but that is for another day!