“Though you, Israel, commit adultery, do not let Judah become guilty. Do not go to Gilgal; do not go up to Beth Aven and do not swear, ‘As surely as the LORD lives'” (Hosea 4:15).
Does where we worship God matter?
The prophets use the language of adultery and prostitution when referring to Israel and Judah. When the prophets use this language, it doesn’t necessarily mean sexual adultery or prostitution. What God is angry about his idolatry, is when Israel and Judah worships and follows after other gods and nations. Whenever Israel and Judah put their trust in any other gods or nations instead of God, that is adultery and prostitution. To God, Israel chasing after other gods is akin to a spouse cheating. It is spiritual adultery and prostitution.
Not only does the language of adultery and prostitution refer to other gods and nations, but it also refers to worshiping God in a manner and way that God did not prescribe.
God commanded the Israelites to worship him at the Temple in Jerusalem. And then, God gave specific instructions about how God is to be worshiped. When the nation of Israel was divided into two between Israel and Judah, Israel set up her own temple in Bethel, Gilgal, and Beth Aven. This was way more convenient for the people of Israel as it was closer to them than the temple located in Jerusalem, but this was not what God prescribed.
Does where and how you worship God matter? Absolutely. God tells us his people to set apart the Sabbath to make it holy. We are to worship God in the house of God in the manner in which God told us to worship.
Worshiping in the mountains? Nope. The ocean? Nope. Golf Course? Nope.
The only caveat is online worship. There are some of you who cannot get to church. Set aside the time and worship God online. If you are able to get to God’s house of worship, that is best.
When it comes to worship, it’s about location, location, location. Location matters.
See you at the Little Church or Lakewood Grace or online this weekend!
Praxis: Faith in Action 