Introduction

Daily worship and sacrifice hold a significant place in the biblical narrative, reflecting the relationship between God and His people. These practices are deeply rooted in the Old Testament and find their fulfillment and transformation in the New Testament through the life and work of Jesus Christ. This entry explores the biblical foundations, practices, and theological implications of daily worship and sacrifice.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, daily worship and sacrifice were central to the life of the Israelites. The sacrificial system was instituted by God as a means for His people to atone for sin, express devotion, and maintain a covenant relationship with Him. The Book of Exodus provides detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, where sacrifices were to be offered (Exodus 25-31). The Levitical priesthood was established to oversee these rituals, as outlined in the Book of Leviticus.

The daily offerings included the morning and evening sacrifices, known as the "continual burnt offering" (Exodus 29:38-42). These sacrifices were a perpetual reminder of God's presence and the need for atonement. Numbers 28:3-4 states, "And you shall say to them: This is the offering made by fire that you are to present to the LORD: two unblemished year-old male lambs each day, as a regular burnt offering. Offer one lamb in the morning and the other at twilight."

The Role of the Psalms

The Book of Psalms played a crucial role in daily worship, serving as the hymnbook of ancient Israel. The Psalms express a wide range of emotions and themes, including praise, thanksgiving, lament, and supplication. They were used in both personal and communal worship settings. Psalm 5:3 reflects the practice of morning prayer: "In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; at daybreak I lay my plea before You and wait in expectation."

New Testament Transformation

The New Testament reinterprets the concept of daily worship and sacrifice through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is presented as the ultimate and final sacrifice, fulfilling the requirements of the Old Testament sacrificial system. Hebrews 10:10 declares, "And by that will, we have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."

With the advent of Christ, the focus shifts from ritual sacrifices to a life of spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 exhorts believers, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." This passage emphasizes the call for believers to dedicate their entire lives to God as an act of worship.

The Early Church and Daily Worship

The early Christian community continued the practice of daily worship, gathering for prayer, teaching, and fellowship. Acts 2:46-47 describes the early believers: "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people."

Theological Implications

Daily worship and sacrifice underscore the importance of a continual relationship with God. They remind believers of the need for ongoing repentance, devotion, and gratitude. The transformation from physical sacrifices to spiritual worship highlights the internalization of faith, where the heart and life of the believer become the altar upon which worship is offered.

Conclusion

Daily worship and sacrifice, as depicted in the Bible, reveal the progression from the Old Testament rituals to the New Testament call for a life dedicated to God. Through Christ, believers are invited to engage in a daily, living relationship with God, characterized by worship, prayer, and the offering of oneself as a living sacrifice.