Thrill and Trembling in Worship

“When they go out into the outer court to the people, they shall put off the garments in which they have been ministering, and lay them in the holy chambers. And they shall put on other garments, lest they transmit holiness to the people with their garments.” — Ezekiel 44:19  

Dear New Life in Christ Family,

There is an enormous weight to worship. We don’t always think this way. Often, we come to church thinking about whether we can relate to the music or what we’ll get out of the service. Many churches focus on the “worship experience” and work hard to put on a good show. But in Ezekiel 44, we get a very different picture—one that shows just how intense worship really is.  

This passage comes from Ezekiel’s vision of a restored temple (chapters 40–48), given during Israel’s exile. Whether we interpret this temple as symbolic or prophetic, one thing is clear: God's presence is holy, and that holiness requires careful boundaries. The priests were instructed to change out of their ministering garments before returning to the people—not because the garments were magical, but because they had been set apart for the Lord’s service. They were now holy—and holiness wrongly handled could bring harm.  

God even says the priests must not “transmit holiness to the people” with these garments. That’s a strange phrase to modern ears, but it underscores an important biblical truth: God’s holiness is not passive or abstract. It is active, weighty, and, for sinners, dangerous. Holiness is a threat to darkness. Unless God provides a way, no one can draw near.  

And that’s exactly what we have in Christ (Romans 5:8-10).  

It’s easy to forget this today. We want worship to feel exciting—and it should never be boring. But the power of worship doesn’t come from mood or music. Worship is powerful because God is present.  

And that’s what makes it thrilling—and serious.  

When we gather on Sundays, we are not attending a concert or event. The excitement doesn’t come from what we do. The living and holy God is drawing near to His people. This is the same God whose glory filled the temple (Isaiah 6), who warned that no one can see His face and live. Were it not for Christ, worship would be dangerous. But because we are covered in His righteousness, we are welcomed in.  

That doesn’t mean we come casually. We come confidently, yes—but also with reverence. In worship, we enter the presence of God Himself, and He meets us not as a judge, but as a gracious Father.  

So no, worship should never be “boring.” But it’s not exciting because of production or energy. It’s exciting because the God of all holiness and mercy meets with us in grace.  

The next time you gather for worship—or talk to your children about church—remember what is really happening. We are standing before the throne of God. We are hearing His Word, singing His praise, receiving His grace in Word and sacrament. And if that doesn’t move your heart, maybe we’ve been too focused on the outward and not enough on the eternal (John 4:23–24).  

Worship is thrilling. It’s intense. It’s wonderful. And if it weren’t for Christ, it would be terrifying. But in Him, we come with confidence—and we must come with awe (Hebrews 12:28–29).  

Let’s never forget what a gift that is.  

Faithfully Yours,
Pastor Sean

“Though God dwells not in temples made with hands, yet when we are in God’s house, we should behave ourselves as if we saw His glory and heard His voice.” — Stephen Charnock (1680)