The oldest form of group praise
and worship would have to be worship within the family. A man and a woman were
created to become one, and then go and multiply; specifically go and have a
family (Gen 1:27-28). They did this and even though they sinned against God,
they still multiplied. In chapter four of Genesis we read of the children’s
sacrifices to God (vv3-5) as part of their worship. Where did they learn to
sacrifice the first fruits to God if not from their parents? In the Old
Testament sacrifices and especially animal sacrifice were usually a significant
part of worship to God. Was this the
case with Cain and Abel? We are not told, but it was the custom in those days.
Then there was Abram who became
Abraham. His household built altars and called on God in worship as they made
sacrifices (Gen 12:7-8). Isaac and his household also became worshippers of the
Lord (Gen 26:24-25). Israel in their separate households worshipped God at the
institution of the Passover (Ex 12:26-27). So, the concept of family and
household worship was a key part of the Old Testament lifestyle. Things were
often done as a household and this would also include worship. So, it was not
about the individual, but the family and household worshipping God as one unit.
Pause in His
presence for a moment and think this over…
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