Sárospataki Füzetek 20. (2016)

2016 / 2. szám - MISCELLANEOUS / SONSTIGES - Imre Tokics: Daniel's Worship int he City of Babylon

Imre Tokics

of Jesus’ favorite books. Jesus presented himself and his work in apocalyptic terms, because Christ understood the book of Daniel to refer to his own time. According to the Gospel writers, Jesus first and favorite title was the “Son of Man”4. This title pointed to his divine authority as well as to His destiny.

2 BIBLE WORSHIP MODELS

The music, sermon, and other important elements of worship liturgy, formed in beautiful symmetry, impress those in attendance. Daniel’s worship in the city of Babylon was very special. Daniel was 14-15 years old, when he went from Jerusalem in the exile. Daniel’s and also his friends’ worship was their lifestyle. It was their worship, when they studied the Babylonian culture, when they ate, when they prayed in a secret place, when they sang a religious song.

What is happening today in our life? Religious wars are killing the modern Christian church. Remembering that God is the Prompter of our praises should keep us mindful that when we come before His presence, the over-arching aim of the worship service is not quality in praying, singing, or preaching — although we should plan and prepare to honor God through every element of the liturgy.5 Everything we do in God’s house is toward the true audience — God and God alone. Every sentiment in our prayers, every lyric in our songs, and every idea in our sermons should be Bible based and Christ centered.6 But such can occur only when we approach worship as a 24/7 lifestyle. A dichotomous life that separates holy living on the seventh day of the week from the holy standard expected of us the other six days, results in vain Christianity.7

When people attend Bible Study and the divine worship hour, they are looking for more than inspiration and answers to life’s questions. They even seek more than fellowship. They want to see people in whom the presence of Christ makes a difference. They don’t merely want to hear a testimony about God’s power. They want to see that same testimony lived out in reality. Children of God who display the principles of God’s kingdom through their lives of daily worship provide the greatest outreach to those who wish to join God’s church.

4 COLLINS, Ibid 93-96 p.

5 HUCSK II E. Willie: Father Abraham the Worship Leader, in Ministry, International Journal for Pastors, April 2016, 5.

6 HUCSK HE. Willie: Ibid 5.

7 HUCSK HE. Willie: Ibid 5.

88 Sárospataki Füzetek 20. évfolyam 2016-2