While Old Testament worship themes can be incorporated into New Testament worship practices, Christian leaders must be critically aware of explaining this relationship to the people of God through scripture and worship. It is also of great importance to contextualize common themes of worship for application in the church today. Various aspects of Covenant worship, how they apply to our church today, and the relevance of both the Old Testament and New Testament through Covenant Remembrance are worthy of exploration.
Covenant Remembrance
The Mosaic Covenant with the sacrificial system did not completely take away the sins of the Israelites. It could not save people, nor did it have the power to give its people new life. It was also very difficult for the Israelites to completely obey these laws. Biblical worship is so much more than theology in connection to covenant.
There is a structural connection that goes far beyond our desire to worship the Lord. In fact, there is a specific structure between the Lord and His people. Worship and covenant are synonymous to being in the presence of our God. In fact, there is a structure and a covenant of order that we need to be aware of to approach worship, if we are to worship the Lord in spirit and truth.
During the twentieth century, through archaeological discoveries, ancient eastern treaties were found. These treaties were said to have shed light on the fact they were very similar to biblical covenants. One common theme relates to the concept of a pact that would have been granted by a ruler, lord or King.
The imperial ruler would promise protection to his people. In return, the people must pledge total loyalty and allegiance to the king. The people or servants must also pledge not to harm their fellow brothers or sisters, nor invade their territories. In addition, the people must bring a tribute to the king on specified days of the year.
The Israelites and their worship to Yahweh closely mirrored this ancient eastern treaty. “Nevertheless, I will remember my covenant with you in the days of your youth, establishing an everlasting covenant with you.” (Ezekiel 16:60, NIV)
While Israel’s pagan neighbors knew of this practice, along with the cultural backgrounds of the ancient near east, they did not enter covenant with their gods. They were unpredictable and incapable of entering a treaty with their people.
Yahweh revealed Himself to the Israelites as the one who had made promises to the patriarchs as far back as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He had promised these patriarchs freedom and deliverance from bondage, promising them a heritage. “…And I will remember My covenant, which is between
Me and you, including every living creature of all flesh; and never again shall the water become a flood to destroy all flesh.” (Genesis 9:15, NIV) “So God heard their complaints and remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” (Exodus 2:24)
The Lord appears in awesome majesty on Mount Sinai, where He proclaims a treaty with His servants; Israel. “For the Lord your God is filled with compassion, He will not fail or destroy you or ever forget His covenant with your fathers He swore to them." (Deuteronomy 4:31, NIV)
He reminded the Israelites that He was faithful, asking them to pledge their loyalty to Him. Yahweh is the great King that fulfills His covenant promises. “….And He remembered His covenant for their sake, relenting according to the greatness of His lovingkindness.” (Psalm 106:45, NIV)
How the Old Testament worship themes function in the Old Testament scriptural references
The Old Testament Scriptures mentioned under Covenant Remembrance, reference the covenant God made with His people, Israel. The Lord took cognizance of the twelve tribes of Israel. Although they had grown
and matured, they had also entered a time of love from the Lord, where He spread His skirt over them, covering their nakedness – proclaiming the Israelites had become His chosen people. As the Israelites pledged their love and faithfulness to the Lord, He promised to be their provider.
Looking at how the Old Testament worship theme ties in with these scriptural references, one must look at what the true meaning of the word “Worship” is. The original Old English word for worship was “weorthscipe,” which meant one must give great respect or honor to whom it was due. The English noblemen who were to be honored were referred to as “Your Worship.” This expression identified them to be of noble character. Another
interesting twist on the meaning of the word “Worship,” had to do with wedding vows couples would make at traditional English ceremonies. They would say something like this to each other “with my body, I thee worship.” This act of honor and respect cemented their full commitment to one another, agreeing to honor each other as their spouse. It was the English people that chose this word and term for the primary word for gatherings in Jesus’ name.
There is a German word that describes how God is in covenant or service with His people. The word “Gottesdienst,” describes how the people of Israel are in relationship with their God, being in service—it working both ways.
This word references a relationship with a people of mutual service. If we look at this from a theological angle, it meant that Covenant was God’s first act toward His people, and by our response of giving thanks and praises we honored that covenant. This means, a reciprocating relationship that God initiated by His saving grace in the work of Christ was for our benefit.
New Testament reception and application of Old Testament worship themes in New Testament worship practices
While God had very lengthy instructions about worship in the Old Testament, even being repetitive, it is possible to see how they connect with the New Testament Covenant Renewal pertaining to worship. “He has given help to Israel His servant in remembrance of His mercy. Just as He spoke to Abraham
and His offspring forever.” (Luke 1:54-55, NIV). This scriptural reference is referring to the same promise that was made to Abraham. “To remember His Holy Covenant, the same one He swore to our father Abraham.” (Luke 1:72-73, NIV) Worship must be mindful of the New Covenant of Christ through the fulfillment of His blood sacrifice for the eternal covenant (Matthew 26:28).
The Lord’s Supper represents the enactment of remembrance of the reality of what Christ was about to suffer for our sake. Worship services should represent a Christ-centered view of scripture and how it acknowledges the supremacy of God and the sinfulness of humanity.
Because we are a new covenant people, this covenant should be the primary focus of worship. Therefore, we are the renewed covenant people. “But you are a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession that you might proclaim the excellence of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Now, you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10, NIV)
References to New Testament worship connect with 1 Corinthians 14 “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.” Another scripture from the New Testament can be found in (Hebrews 9:1-12:29). Here, we can see that returning to the old way is useless. Only the new way is right.
This passage is a summary of the old sacrificial system and the role of the temple and tabernacle. Only the one true God who is Holy can make atonement for one's sins. Although there were regulations to carry out to receive forgiveness, this scripture points to the power of Christ to fulfill them all for the sake of all. “Now, even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lamp stand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place.”
How is the reception of the Old Testament worship theme in New Testament worship relevant to our church today in a corporate worship setting?
Does Jesus draw upon a dialectic between the Jesus-then and the Jesus-now?[1] The meaning of the word “Testament,” is referring to a covenant with God. The distinction between the Old and New Testament is Jesus of Nazareth. When we are being descriptive about worship, it is Christian worship, pertaining
to the dying and resurrection of Christ. As Christians, we believe our worship here on earth is not yet complete. It is only a reflection of what it will be like to be in the presence of God in heaven. Someday, all will acknowledge that Jesus is Lord and every knee will bow. (Philippians 2:10) Jesus is the only one worthy of worship and praise. “As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before me and every tongue will acknowledge that I am God.” (Romans 14:11, NIV)
Worship in the New Testament can also be interpreted as serving. It can take the form of worship in the spirit or latreuo which connects to the spirit and Glory of God in Christ. (Philippians 3:3) What we do in our every day life is also an act of worship, just as Paul worshipped God by proclaiming the Gospel (Romans 1:9). Latreuo voices our service to
God in His gracious offer of Salvation. This service can be while we gather in community or when we serve the Lord in our everyday lives. “Worship services can have different themes and moods, whether it is in celebration, sending out a missionary team or in mourning at the loss of a loved one.” [2]
As we gather together in Christ’s name to worship, we are gathering in the Letourgia which means people and work. It means the work of the people or the work for the people. This Letourgia speaks of being both inward and outward. It is first our gathering in worship, then radiating from worship to acts of service in our community and our world. Hebrews 10:24-25 says “Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds,
not neglecting our meeting together, but encouraging one another, as you see the day approaching.” When corporate worship leaders gather together, they should ask this question, “What sequence of actions do I want to lead people through for worshipping God and building up the community?” These are not actions like singing or clapping, but are actions in praise, confession, adoration, and giving thanks. Each of these actions should be in a logical sequence. [3]
References
[1].Covolo, R. (2013). The Four Gospels on Sunday: The New Testament and the Reform of Christian Worship. European Journal of Theology. Vol. 22, Issue 2, pp. 185-185.
[2].McMillion, P. (1998). Worship in the Old Testament. Leaven, Volume 6, Issue 1, winter edition.
[3].Johnson, T. (2015). The Elements of Worship. Covenant Companion. March 4th.
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