2 Chronicles 29:27, New International Version

“Hezekiah gave the order to sacrifice the burnt offering on the altar. As the offering began, singing to the LORD began also, accompanied by trumpets and the instruments of David king of Israel.”

The ultimate sacrifice has already been made. The sacrificial Lamb died and was raised (Isaiah 53:7; Hebrews 9:28; 10:10; Exodus 10:25; 1 Peter 1:9). He, the sacrificial Lamb, Jesus the Messiah, made Himself an atonement and offering to the Father, satisfying the wrath and justice of the Holy One. The God we believe in, bow before, and serve, is the One who is perfect love as well as the perfect Judge (1 John 2:2; Hebrews 7:7; 10:12; Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; Romans 7:12-14; 1 John 4:18).

Now, the offering still speaks of the cost of our sin, the sin of this fallen world against the holiness of the everlasting God. From the time of the first mankind, Adam and Eve, whom God created and blessed, but who disobeyed and fell (Genesis 3), to the time when Jesus, who was God, made Himself nothing to dwell among mankind in this fallen world (Philippians 2:7), we see the mercy of God revealed. From the Lamb sacrificing Himself through the journey of Calvary to the cross, with the promise of forgiveness of sin (John 1:29; Luke 23), to His resurrection, where He defeated the wages of sin and death, and sent His Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth with the recognition of hope (Luke 24; John 14:26; 16:13; Romans 15:13), this mercy of forgiveness and this grace of everlasting promise are still active and alive today (John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9).

Consider King Hezekiah’s order: as the offering began, singing to the Lord began also (2 Chronicles 29:17). Then let us examine our own lives. Are we singing of His glory and His love? Are we living in honor of the worth Jesus paid for us? Let us offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, as our true and proper worship (Romans 12:1).

Worship is not a one-day event or one evening of singing and dancing. Worship is sacred. It carries a changed heart, with sorrow and repentance that begin when we realize the sacrifice He made, followed by joy and hope because of the promise we have received, and the everlasting life set before us. Once we receive this gift of life, we begin to live with the gift that was offered to us.

As our brother Paul said:

“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NLT) “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:22, NIV)

Worship is a lifestyle that reflects the image of God. Whether you are accompanied by trumpets and instruments in the worship service you attend, or by a marching band at a football game; whether you are sitting under a sermon in a church service or sitting in your living room taking care of personal business; whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

You are made in His image (Genesis 1:26-27). Become the sheep of the Good Shepherd, the sacrificial Lamb (John 10:11-18).