We are exploring a new theme in our Liturgy. Through the month of January we are reflecting on the value and meaning of Worship: Why we worship they way we do. Why we bother to worship at all.

Biblical worship (that is a biblical model of worship) assumes the covenant we have in Christ Jesus. Genuine worship is directed toward the covenant partner.

To review:

God makes covenant with us. This is the one eternal covenant God made with Abraham. “I will bless you so that through you all the nations of the world will be blessed. (Genesis 12)

This covenant found expression at Mt. Sinai through Moses to the people of Israel. “If you will hearken to my voice and keep my covenant you will be to me a Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation.” (Exodus 19)

This covenant is ultimately demonstrated in the cross of Jesus. His death shows how far God is willing to go to keep the covenant promise. To make sure his disciples’ don’t miss the point, Jesus precedes his death with what the tradition remembers as “The Last Supper,” or “The Lord’s Supper.” The first communion of the church is a covenant meal.

“And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body.’ Then He took the cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And he said to them, ‘This is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many.’ (Mark 14)

Covenant making, and covenant renewal ceremonies involve the sharing of a meal. Hospitality “seals the deal.”

Biblical worship is always a covenant renewal ceremony. It is how we recommit in our covenant relationship with God. Genuine worship always assumes this covenantal context. Worship always gives expression to and nurtures covenant relationship.

I wonder how many people who come to church on Sunday really understand what they are doing? Of course, those who don't can’t be faulted. If priests fail to make this connection, and to help people understand this connection, we are to blame.

Strip down worship to its bare essentials and what do you have? God and people of faith, celebrate the one eternal covenant they share. In worship we hear the story of how God commits himself to us. In worship, we recommit ourselves to God. It’s that simple.

Music and singing? Great.

Flowers and candles? Wonderful.

Vestments and prayer books? Beautiful.

Acolytes, and Choirs and Lay Readers and Chalice Bearers? The more the merrier.

As great an experience as worship may be, as appealing and entertaining and interesting as we can make it -- all of it without commitment to covenant partnership with God and Neighbor is a sham.

So this month I am going to try to do my part to clarify the heart of worship. It comes down to this. Worship expresses and nurtures covenant relationship.

In worship we give voice to our commitment to God. In worship God empowers us to keep the commitment we make.

Its that simple.