More Than A Song #2

A.W. Tozer once said, “Nothing in or of this world measures up to the simple pleasure of experiencing the presence of God.” That statement captures a truth many of us know deep down: nothing compares to being with Him.

Last week we were reminded of two foundational realities. God’s purpose has always been to dwell among His people, and our purpose has always been to dwell with Him. If God’s presence is our purpose, then worship isn’t just one part of our faith—it’s the pathway that leads us there. Worship sets the atmosphere, tunes our hearts, and prepares the soil for God to move.

In Exodus 3, we find Moses encountering God at the burning bush. Israel had been in bondage for 400 years, and God was preparing to deliver them. As God speaks to Moses about leading the people out of Egypt, Moses responds the way many of us would: Who am I? I’m not qualified. But God doesn’t reassure Moses with compliments about his ability. He reassures him with one simple promise: “I will be with you.”

That was the point. God’s confidence wasn’t in Moses—it was in His presence.

This entire conversation happens next to a bush that is on fire but not consumed. It’s a powerful image. Think about sitting around a campfire on a cold night. You don’t have to earn the warmth. You don’t negotiate with the fire. You simply move closer. As you do, the fire does what fire naturally does—it warms, lights, and changes the environment. That’s worship. Worship isn’t us striving to get God’s attention; it’s drawing near to the fire of His presence that’s already burning.

God then tells Moses that after delivering Israel, they will worship Him at that very mountain. It almost feels out of place—Moses is worried about logistics, and God is focused on worship. Why? Because God was teaching Moses two foundational truths: the pathway to God’s purpose is His presence, and the pathway to God’s presence is worship. Worship wasn’t the end of the journey—it was the journey.

In fact, the true destination of the Exodus wasn’t the Promised Land. It was worship. God told Pharaoh to let His people go so they could worship, because people who are free to worship cannot remain enslaved. Worship brings freedom, because God’s presence is always the goal.

As Israel journeyed on, God made worship the very center of their lives. The tabernacle—the dwelling place of God’s presence—sat at the center of the camp, with all twelve tribes positioned around it, facing inward. God was showing them that everything must revolve around Him. Their daily routines, weekly rhythms, and yearly calendar were all structured around worship. Their lives were meant to begin and end with God.

This structure was no accident. It was a prophetic picture of how God still desires to work today. Worship belongs at the center of our lives. It shapes our days, aligns our hearts, and keeps us oriented toward His presence.

Sadly, Israel eventually traded God’s presence for a golden calf—choosing culture over communion. In doing so, they lost sight of their identity and purpose. It’s a warning for us today. When we worship lesser things—success, comfort, relationships—we drift from the One who gives us life.

Worship is not something we do; it’s who we are. We were created for relationship with God, and worship is the daily surrender of our whole lives to Him. Jesus modeled this perfectly when He surrendered His life for us—the ultimate act of worship.

Worship truly is more than a song. It is the pathway, the purpose, and the posture of a life fully given to God.