THESE TWO WORDS JUST DO NOT SEEM TO GO TOGETHER
-HOWEVER-
According to William Bjoraker these two words are connected. The root word of each (Avodah) means to work or serve. Interesting. He goes on –
“Worship of the true God in Messiah Jesus through the Holy Spirit and in truth is hard work. It demands expenditure of energy. It requires focus and concentration of our faculties.”
Some think of their work almost as a punishment – a product of the Fall. Only work that is drudgery can come under that way of thinking and even menial tasks can be an achievement.
Austen Burkhart added these findings: “The Hebrew word, avodah, jointly means work, worship and service. The various usages of this Hebrew word found first in Genesis 2:15 tell us that God’s original design and desire is that our work and our worship would be a seamless way of living.”
What a concept that our work can honor God and our worship can be work.
Joshua said, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
As Bjoraker said, It (worship) demands expenditure of energy. “Inner humbling, a surrender to self will, a repentance of sin and trust. It requires cultivating the presence of God. It ascribes to Him the supreme value of who He is and acknowledges His worthiness (worth-ship) in words, deeds, and posture. Worship is hard work.”
But ahh, the fruit of this rhythm of living. A day well spent asking the Lord of the Universe to govern your work days and worship day. This is a life well used and one God is searching for.
2 Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth so that He may support those whose heart is completely His.”