Public worship.
A necessity of our spiritual life. Prompted by a community of privileges, interests, feelings, hopes, duties, temptations, aspirations; "One Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 4:3-7). It is required in it—
I. THAT GOD BE PRESENT WITH HIS PEOPLE. We meet in his Name. His presence is promised (Matthew 18:20). Without that presence sought and obtained, worship is in vain.
II. THAT IT BE PURE AND SCRIPTURAL. Not "will-worship" (Colossians 2:23); not corrupted by the ingrafting upon it of heathen superstitions. Christianity has often been thus corrupted. The papal mariolatry and worship of images, with the wholesale importation into Christianity of rites and ceremonies drawn from paganism, is a glaring instance. God forbids any mixture of the old worship with the new. The very names of the gods of the Canaanites were to be destroyed (Deuteronomy 12:3). Worldliness, not less than superstition, may intrude itself into worship, and destroy its purity (John 2:13-17; James 2:2, James 2:3).
III. THAT IT BE ORDERLY. (Deuteronomy 12:8.) Paul pleads for order in the Christian Church (1 Corinthians 11:1-34; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31.).
IV. THAT IT GIVE EXPRESSION TO THE VARIED WANTS OF THE RELIGIOUS NATURE. (Deuteronomy 12:6, Deuteronomy 12:7.) The prescribed sacrifices constituted a complex medium for the expression of the complex life and aspirations of the nation. It is to be noted that, save on days specially devoted to the remembrance of sins, a predominatingly joyful tone pervaded the services. This tone of joy should characterize yet more decidedly the services of Christians, coming before the Lord, as they are commanded to do, "to offer up spiritual sacrifices" (Philippians 4:4; Colossians 3:16; 1 Peter 2:5).
V. THAT IT BE ASSOCIATED WITH REMEMBRANCE OF THE POOR. (Deuteronomy 12:7, Deuteronomy 12:12, Deuteronomy 12:18; Deuteronomy 16:11, Deuteronomy 16:14.) One of the first effects of Christ's love in a heart should be to open it up in sympathy and kindness to all in need (Acts 2:45; Acts 4:34, Acts 4:35; Romans 15:25; 1 Corinthians 12:26; 2 Corinthians 8:9.).—J.O.
The Divine regulation of food.
All animals for food had formerly to be killed at the door of the tabernacle (Le Deuteronomy 16:1-8). Probably the rule was not strictly observed (Deuteronomy 12:8), but in view of the occupation of the land, the prohibition is relaxed. Note—
I. OUR BIGHTS IN THE USE OF FOOD TAKE THEIR ORIGIN FROM GOD. This is taught in the account of creation (Genesis 1:29, Genesis 1:30), in the grant of flesh to Noah (Genesis 9:3, Genesis 9:4), in the Levitical restrictions on animal food (Leviticus 11:1-47.), and in passages like the present.
II. OUR MANNER OF THE USE OF FOOD OUGHT TO BE GLORIFYING TO GOD. "Eating and drinking" is to be to God's glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).
1. God's gift to be recognized in food. A motive for thankfulness.
2. God's blessing to be sought upon it. The example of Christ in this respect is noteworthy (Matthew 14:19, etc.).
3. Self-restraint is to be exercised in the partaking of it. The blood was not to be eaten.—J.O.