Worship

Worship in the Bible is the reverent devotion and allegiance accorded to God. It is both an attitude and an act, encompassing the heart, mind, and body. Worship is central to the life of a believer, as it acknowledges God's supreme worth and sovereignty. The Hebrew word for worship, "shachah," means to bow down or prostrate oneself, indicating a posture of humility and submission before God. In the New Testament, the Greek word "proskuneo" carries a similar meaning, emphasizing the act of bowing or kneeling in reverence.

The Bible presents worship as a response to God's revelation. In Exodus 20:2-3 , God commands, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me." This command underscores the exclusivity of worship due to God alone. Worship is not merely ritualistic but is deeply relational, as seen in John 4:23-24 , where Jesus states, "But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth."

Worship in the Old Testament often involved sacrifices and offerings, as seen in Leviticus, where God provides detailed instructions for various offerings. These acts were expressions of devotion, thanksgiving, and atonement. In the New Testament, worship is transformed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the ultimate offering. Hebrews 10:19-22 explains, "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith."

Worship also involves singing, prayer, and the proclamation of God's Word. The Psalms are a rich resource for understanding worship through song, as they express a wide range of emotions and themes, from praise and thanksgiving to lament and supplication. Colossians 3:16 encourages believers, "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."

Remembrance

Remembrance in the biblical context is the act of recalling and honoring God's past deeds, commands, and promises. It serves as a foundation for faith and obedience, reminding believers of God's faithfulness and covenantal relationship with His people. The concept of remembrance is woven throughout Scripture, often linked with worship and the observance of sacred rituals.

In the Old Testament, God frequently commands His people to remember His mighty acts, such as the deliverance from Egypt. Deuteronomy 6:12 warns, "Be careful not to forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." The Passover is a prime example of remembrance, instituted as a perpetual ordinance to recall God's deliverance (Exodus 12:14).

The New Testament continues this theme, particularly in the observance of the Lord's Supper. Jesus, during the Last Supper, instructs His disciples in Luke 22:19 , "And He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.'" This act of remembrance is central to Christian worship, as it commemorates Christ's sacrificial death and anticipates His return.

Remembrance also involves the internalization of God's Word. Psalm 119:11 states, "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You." This internalization is a form of remembrance that guides believers in their daily walk with God.

Throughout Scripture, remembrance is not merely a mental exercise but a call to action. It compels believers to live in accordance with God's will, as seen in James 1:22-25 , "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does."

In summary, worship and remembrance are intertwined in the life of a believer, each reinforcing the other. Worship is the expression of reverence and adoration for God, while remembrance anchors the believer in the truth of God's past, present, and future work.