Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was no house built unto the name of the LORD, until those days.
And Solomon loved the LORD, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places.
And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar.
It was not until Solomon offered sacrifices at the tabernacle, which was at that time in Gibeon, that God appeared to him. Having no house built in the name of the Lord, the people had developed the habit of creating their own places of worship. It was not so much that these were expressly forbidden, but that they were not to replace the Tabernacle.
Having a favorite place to go to worship and commune with the Lord, such as a private “prayer closet,” is noble and perfectly acceptable, even encouraged. Allowing that to supplant regular and faithful worship at the place that God has chosen, which is the house of God, today, the local New Testament Baptist Church, is not merely a mistake but altogether a sin.
In recent months, during the COVID 19 pandemic, many followed the recommended guidelines to stop the spread of the virus and stayed away from houses of worship. I did not follow that guideline personally but have little problem with those who did. I have, however, witnessed a trend in some of those who stayed home. They are now saying that they experienced fellowship with the Lord at home much more meaningfully than they ever did at church. May I say it bluntly? They are deceived. It is not possible to experience God except in the place where God has chosen. We must remember that there is another spirit in the world. That spirit is a liar. That spirit seeks to lead souls away from the Lord. And that spirit will happily give people a sense of wellbeing and peace, even worship, so long as that worship in not directed to the God he hates.
Have a place for private worship. But don’t worship there only. Be at your Gibeon. Be at the house of the Lord where God has led you to unite.
To my readers:
Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.
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