A Pattern for Worship?

Then Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and all the people chanted, “Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. [Ezra 8.6]

Ezra appears to have been somewhat a worship leader! 

Ezra worshiped the LORD and the people responded "So be it" (Amen). They lifted their hands but also bowed down with their faces to the ground.

For what it is worth, this exercise was included in the reading of the Law and the explanation of the Law. It seems worship and the reading of the Law were somewhat synonymous. Maybe, maybe not. But it all took place in one setting - the reading of the Law, the 'worship' response of raised hands and bowed faces to the ground, and the explanation of the Law by the Levites.

There were also tears in response to the reading and explanation of the Law. It sounds to me that conviction was present.

Oh, and also for what it is worth, this worship session began in in the morning and ended at noon. (No wonder typical Sunday morning worship ending at noon has survived so long)

So, I said this ended at noon, but that is not really accurate. The day continued from noon forward with food and fellowship - rejoicing and celebration. They even gave gifts to one another.

There is great purpose in God's people coming together! There always has been and always will be.

 But wait! There's more! Christ is seen in this whole scenario!

As the Law preceded Jesus, so Ezra stood to read the Law to the people. And, as the people responded "Amen" to the Law, so we must acknowledge the requirements of the Law in order to understand the redemption provided us! It was in the setting of this presentation of the Law that the people worshiped, lifted their hands (in acknowledgement) and bowed down (in complete surrender) and eventually wept (conviction). But they were told then not to weep (forgiveness in Christ) but to rejoice (joyfully be about Kingdom work) consummating with a time of feasting (Christ's return - the marriage supper of the Lamb).

How cool is that?

Father, thank You for Your Word and revealing Jesus so clearly in it - even in Ezra!