“Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob! Begin the music, strike the tambourine, play the melodious harp and lyre… He says, ‘I removed the burden from their shoulders; their hands were set free from the basket. In your distress you called and I rescued you… Hear, O my people, and I will warn you — if you would but listen to me, O Israel!’” (Psalm 81:1-2, 6-8 NIV1984).
The Psalmist is calling the Israelites to come together to worship Him through singing, shouting and playing musical instruments. This was not an option but a command. A decree, ordinance and statute (verses 4 & 5) — these were permanent, binding and established by God.
God reminded the Israelites of everything He had done for them — brought them out of Egypt, opened the Red Sea, fed them in the wilderness, supplied them with fresh water, subdued their enemies and brought them to the Promised Land. Despite their continuous inclination to sin, God rescued them when they called and were in distress. What love He showed to His people.
So why did He say, “If you would but listen to me”? Because after all He had done for them, they still returned to worshiping idols, turning a deaf ear to all His commands. It deeply grieved Him, but God does not excuse sin. His people were disobedient and suffered severe consequences. Their attempted worship was no longer acceptable. “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (Isaiah 29:13).
This message is for us also. Entering God’s house to worship is not a suggestion, not a choice and not a come-if-you-feel-like-it invitation. It is essential to our faith. The command to worship is not burdensome when we remember all the things He has done for us. He has given us eternal life and saved us from the power of sin. The things we have and enjoy — our homes, vehicles, careers, finances, family, friends, places to worship, simple pleasures, security and comfort in times of need — all come from His hand. Why would we not want to obey Him?
James Montgomery Boice said, “The sin to which redeemed people are forever prone is that very idolatry from which the Lord has redeemed us. Those idols seem forever to call us back, even though we have turned away from them to ‘serve the living and true God… Instead of worshiping the Lord and him only, Christians seem to be worshiping the gods of secular culture — gods of wealth, pleasure, fame, status and self-absorption.”
God is not just a God of judgment. “You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you” (Psalm 86:5). He gave this promise, not just to the Israelites, but to us as well. He also stated, “…open wide your mouth and I will fill it” (Psalm 81:10). If we repent of our sins and turn back to Him, He promises to fulfill our needs, satisfy our longings and give us unspeakable joy.
Someone said, “The ‘decree’ and ‘ordinance’ language signifies that worship is a part of God’s divine law and a duty for His people, helping them to maintain a life centered on Him. Worship becomes a vital response to God’s covenant love and serves as a spiritual anchor.”
Remember God’s admonition: “If you would but listen to me.” He also says if you will “open wide your mouth,” He will fill it to overflowing. Our response to such a loving God is simply to listen and obey.
