2 Kings 15:1-7; Isaiah 6:1-13; Isaiah 1-5; 2 Chronicles 26

The calling of Isaiah, the reign of Azariah and the reign of Uzziah offer an interesting spectrum of attitudes in worship. Liberty in Christ is a wonderful facet of our resurrected lives, but liberty can so easily be abused. Paul teaches us (Romans 14) of the need to not judge one another in matters of liberty. Conversely, he distinguishes clearly that we are to rightly judge (read “observe and discern”) those things taught in scripture. When it comes to worship, God has been clear as to His expectations. Cain and Abel were told what and how to offer worship as were the folks throughout the patriarchal times. Likewise, the children of Israel received clear instruction.

Far too many, however, think that no such instruction has come from God for the worship of the church and that we are free to worship as we see fit. Quite simply, not only does this belief ignore scripture, but also ignores the nature of Yahweh Elohim who is a clear communicator and not the author of confusion. Let’s look deeper into the matter from the perspective of these three men, asking about the attitudes they display in their approach to God.

Azariah is counted as a good king in Judah. Keep in mind that this is not a statement on whether or not he helped widows with their groceries. Neither is it a judgment upon his leadership style, the economy or foreign affairs. Each king of Judah and Israel is assessed on their record of adhering to the Law of Moses from the heart. Azariah met the standard as well as his father had done. BUT. There’s that word. Yahweh required all people to worship Him in “Solomon’s” Temple in Jerusalem. The people continued to go beyond the expressed statements of Yahweh and offer sacrifices and incense additionally on various hilltops. Notice that this is an EXCEPTION to what is “right in the sight of the LORD”. Pride compels some very well-meaning folks to go beyond scripture and add a few things that they prefer in worship. Do we have or need authority to do so? Or, do we have liberty to add anything we desire so long as we include the things that God expressly asked for?

Uzziah was much brasher. In fact, his “lifted up heart” of pride is specifically referenced as the cause of his transgression. Keep in mind that he, too, is commended to us as a “good” king who did right in the sight of Yahweh. God had clearly asked for the Levite priests, descended from Aaron and properly consecrated and adorned to offer incense in the Temple. Uzziah thought it wise to do so himself. Yahweh did not consider the men (or women) of the tribe of Judah as lesser people because He commanded only the priests of Aaron to perform these functions before Him. Uzziah pridefully usurped the role that God gave to another. God was displeased and expelled Uzziah. A heart that barges into the presence of God and demands to offer worship or participate in things (such as preaching or prayer) that God has specifically reserved for another is not pleasing to God.

And then there is the example of Isaiah. His prophecies are filled with promises of God’s judgment upon those who violated His precepts. Through Isaiah, God promises to build the church because of the transgressions of Judah and Israel as a result of their pride (Isaiah 2:2-3 and 2:17-18). Isaiah is called into the very presence of Elohim Shaddai. His response is not to go beyond what God directs or to demand an addition to God’s commands. Quite the contrary, Isaiah is struck with extreme humility and a sense of unworthiness. In his humility, Yahweh prepared Isaiah and made him worthy. A heart for worship and a graceful God to be worshiped; just as it has always been in the mind of God.

“Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be eaten by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

Isaiah 1:18-20

Worship and salvation has always been about human willingness AND obedience. Humility allows us to be drawn to God by His beckoning and power. Liberty and personal preference are not a basis to disregard God’s desire for us. Pride barges in and demands that God accept whatever we choose to offer.

When it comes to approaching God with worship, the first thing we need to offer up is our pride.

Consider His nature.  Consider His ways.  Strive to love Him more!