Read Nehemiah 12:44-47. Why did Judah rejoice “over the priests and Levites who ministered”? Why were they important?

What did the work of the priests (who were Levites) symbolize? See Hebrews 9:1-11.

Priests and Levites

“The intercession of Christ in man’s behalf in the sanctuary above is as essential to the plan of salvation as was His death upon the cross. By His death He began that work which after His resurrection He ascended to complete in heaven. We must by faith enter within the veil, ‘whither the forerunner is for us entered’. Hebrews 6:20” – Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 489.

Again, though the people back then certainly didn’t have the light that we have today, they understood enough to know that the work of the Levites, who alone could minister in the temple, was so important. They were excited that the work of God would be done through them.

The nation had been spending time with God in reading His word, praying, worshiping, and rededicating themselves to Him. Amid all this they realized that the ministries of the temple had been neglected and needed to be restored. Now that these were established again, the people rejoiced over the important work the Levites would be doing on their behalf. God impressed the nation that the ministries of the temple were part of His design for worship.

Unfortunately, ministers, teachers of the Word, and musicians are often taken for granted. Even during the time of Nehemiah, the support of the Levites was sometimes strong and sometimes very weak. The Levites had to go back to other work many times in order to provide for their families, because the people stopped giving tithes and offerings.

Without tithes and offerings, there is no organized worldwide church. If we want our ministries to continue, we must be committed to supporting our ministers by monetary contributions as well as verbal appreciation. The church may never be perfect, but that shouldn’t undermine our giving to God so that His work can continue around the world.

<–Wednesday    Friday–>

Amen!(0)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SabbathSchoolNet/~3/o-S9gliSG4o/

Read Nehemiah 12:43. What was special about offering “great sacrifices” as part of their worship celebration?

Sacrifices were the most essential aspect of worship during the time of the temple. Several different sacrifices were used, either for the promise of forgiveness or to express the joy of fellowship and gratitude to God. Sacrifices provided the substance for worship, as they reminded the worshipers of the truth of God and who He is, and pointed to the Promised Seed, the Messiah, who would sacrifice His life for them, because He is the Lamb of God.

Read John 1:29, John 1:36; 1 Corinthians 5:7; and Revelation 5:6, Rev. 5:12-13. What do they teach us about what the sacrifices ultimately pointed to? If the ancient Israelites could rejoice over a dead farm animal, a death that could reveal only so much truth, how much more reason do we have to rejoice than they had?

Image © Lars Justinen from GoodSalt.com

Notice, too, how many times the idea of joy and rejoicing appears in Nehemiah 12:43 alone. That is, amid the reverence, and perhaps the godly fear that the people experienced in their worship service (after all, the killing of an animal for their sins was a solemn thing), there was joy and rejoicing, as well. When we approach God, it must be in awe and reverence, as well as with rejoicing. Psalm 95 demonstrates that a true act of adoration involves a summons to sing, shout joyfully, and make music to celebrate God (Ps. 95:1) as well as to bow down and kneel before the Lord (Ps. 95:6). Striving to achieve a balance between joy and reverence is crucial for adoring, praising, and worshiping our Creator.

<–Tuesday    Thursday–>

Amen!(0)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SabbathSchoolNet/~3/x1ZLAiErk5c/

Read Nehemiah 12:31-42. Why was music such an important part of this celebration?

Part of the worship service in Nehemiah’s time was creating two thanksgiving choirs that walked around Jerusalem singing, accompanied by instruments. They started in the same place and then split off, each going in a different direction around the walls of the city. One group was led by Ezra, who was at the front, and the other group had Nehemiah at the back. The two choirs met up once again at the Valley Gate and from there proceeded into the temple. Priests who blew the trumpets complemented each procession. Once the choirs entered the temple, they stood facing each other. It was an excellently organized procession and worship service.

To answer why music is such an important part of the celebration and worship service, we have to look at its meaning in the context of the temple. Music in the temple was not a concert that people came to enjoy, like going to listen to Beethoven’s 4th symphony being performed at a concert hall. Rather, as the musicians sang and played the instruments, the people bowed in prayer. It was part of their worship.

The central act of the temple and worship concerned sacrifices, itself a rather unpleasant action. After all, what were they doing but slicing the throats of innocent animals? The playing of such beautiful music, in many ways, besides just lifting the people’s thoughts heavenward, helped make the whole worship experience more pleasant.

Look up instances in the Bible where music was an important aspect of worship. Reflect especially on Exodus 15:1; 2 Chronicles 20:21-22; and Revelation 15:2-4.

Both on earth and in heaven, music is part of the worship experience. Notice that in the above verses, the singing is all about what the Lord has done for His people, including giving them victory “over the beast” (after all, how else would they have gotten that victory?). It’s praise to God for His acts of salvation.

<–Monday    Wednesday–>

Amen!(0)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SabbathSchoolNet/~3/SDFezCai-5M/

You can view an in-depth discussion of “Worshiping the Lord” in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. Click on the image to view:

You may download an MP4 video file, and audio file or a PDF lesson outline from the HopeSS site.

With thanks to Hope Channel – Television that will change your life.

Amen!(0)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SabbathSchoolNet/~3/yB9217As2ag/

Our title this week gives us the first hymn:
Hymn 6, “O Worship the Lord”.

The memory verse is in
Hymn 29, “Sing Praise to God”,
Hymn 37, “O Sing, My Soul, Your Maker’s Praise”,
Hymn 105, “Sing to the Great Jehovah’s Praise”,
Hymn 276, “Thanks to God” and
Hymn 563, “Praise and Thanksgiving”.

On Monday the Priest and Levites purified themselves:
Hymn 27, “Rejoice Ye Pure in Heart!” They were washed clean:
Hymn 302, “Deeper Yet” because there is
“Power in the Blood”, Hymn 294.

One aspect of the music was to sing of what the Lord has done for His people:
Hymn 19, “O Sing a New Song to the Lord” and
Hymn 351, “Thy Hand, O God Has Guided”.

Hymn 571, “What Does the Lord Require?” helps us understand Wednesday’s topic of discussion.

Hymn 184, “Jesus Paid It All” can help to sum up the Great Controversy statement on Thursday. The Priests and Levites (our Ministers, teachers and musicians today) are doing their best in
Hymn 572, “Give of Your Best to the Master”.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Amen!(2)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SabbathSchoolNet/~3/AvJE47gkdnc/