Regarding important events or moments in life, few, if any, happen on their own. Athletic teams will not win championships without months of planning and preparation. Elected officials will not aspire to high offices without a long trail of preparation and sacrifices. Important things like these are not the result of "kismet." After a goal is envisioned, plans are drawn up and worked that will bring about the realization of such a dream.

I am a firm believer that the worship of God is one of these "important moments in life." It won't just happen. True worship, the kind the Lord desires (cp. Jn. 4:23-24), is a planned affair. When was the last time you read Ex. 19:9-17? I think it provides a good pattern for how God wants His people to get themselves ready to worship Him. Yes, it is always important that we are careful to worship God in the prescribed way. But it is equally vital that we get ourselves ready to engage in such important activities.

Notice God instructed Moses to have the people "consecrate themselves" to "be ready the third day" when He would come down upon the mount (vv. 10-11). Also observe that when it came time, Moses "brought the people out of the camp to meet God" (v. 17). Meeting God is important activity, one that requires preparation. It is never a "happenstance meeting."

Now, let's make application...

Do we make adequate preparations to "meet God in worship?" We know He will be present (cp. Mt. 18:20). We also know what is going to take place: we'll sing, pray, listen to the gospel, break bread together, and contribute to the treasury. These are not mundane, rote activities. (If we see them as such, that is indeed the problem). The question remains...how much preparation do you or I make to come to worship? Have we gotten our minds ready for what we will be doing? Have we "consecrated" ourselves so that nothing (either mental or physical) interferes with what we will be doing? Something as simple as being on time certainly would be involved in preparing for worship of the God of the universe.

Since the "Father seeks such to be His worshipers," we are obligated to do our part to be such a people. Prepare for worship...starting today.