Liturgy and the question of how to worship are receiving a great deal of attention today f0r better or for worse. That we should have and follow the proper guidelines for this is of the utmost importance. In this issue, Rev. Jerome M. Julien, pastor of the First Christian Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa, presents the third in his series of eight articles on the topic: The Sacrifice of Praise.

One characteristic of worship services in the Reformed tradition, at least until recent years, has been the reading of the Law. In the earliest years of the Reformation churches the reading of the Law became a common part of the activity of worship for God’s people.

In both Geneva and Strasbourg, Calvin introduced the Law. Not too many years later it became a part of the order of worship for the Reformed Church in Holland. Since then—until recently, at least—the reading of the Law has remained a part of Reformed worship.

Today, there are those in the Christian Reformed Church who think that we read the Law in worship because it is commanded in Church Order. This simply is not true! The Church Order, if you read it carefully, indicates that there are certain definite parts that must be included in the worship service. But Church Order never indicates that the Law is to be read.

   

True, in 1930, the Synod of the Christian Reformed Church, after a controversy on what should he included in worship, laid down a list of items belonging in worship. One of these items is the reading of the Law. But the reason why the Reformed Churches have regularly read the law in worship is because this reading has a Biblical basis.

Today, however, the reading of the Law is being done with irregularity and even carelessness in churches that bear the name Reformed. Because many fail to see the significance of the reading of the Law, its rending is being left out or modified. Some ministers refuse to read it. In some churches, the Law is read responsively. In other congregations, the reading of the Law means reading a group of New Testament texts. In still other congregations only the abbreviated form of the Law is read. That is, only the simple “Thou shalts” and the “Thou shalt nots” are read.

But to read the Law in this way is to bring us face to face with a problem in the tenth commandment. If you read only “Thou shalt not covet, Scripture is being contradicted. According to Scripture, we are to covet the good things. When the minister simply says to the congregation, “Thou shalt not covet,” the congregation is not hearing the Law of God. There arc things we are not to covet—our neighbor’s wife, his house, his cattle, anything the Lord has given others but not to us. However, there are things we arc to covet, the best things. ‘We can‘t read the Law in abbreviated form.

Now, we are not implying that all the new ways of reading the Law are questionable. That would not be right to say. There are churches where, for instance, after each commandment, the congregation responds perhaps with a word from one of the Psalms or maybe with prayer. Elsewhere, there is response in the form of prayer or a song at the end of the reading of the Law. Some congregations even hear the Law at the end of the worship service. This is the way John Calvin did it in one of his churches. None of these ways are wrong in themselves. It is wrong, however, to deal with the reading of the Law in a cavalier manner.

The reading of the Law has a Biblical basis. It was part of the Old Testament worship. Deuteronomy 31:11–13 indicates that the Law was to be read, and that all—not just some—of the people were to be assembled together. Even the children were to hear the Law. As Israel grew in number, and it became impossible for the people of God to be gathered together at one place, the hearing of the Law continued, but then in various places where the people of God were gathered together. In fact, we read in Acts 15:21 that the Law was read in the synagogue every Sabbath. It was part of Old Testament worship.

When we study the New Testament, we find that the Law is still of great importance for the people of God. Oh, it’s true that the believer sees the Law in relation to the Lord Jesus Christ who has shed His blood so that the curse of the Law is not on us. But the Law is still important for the believer. Paul would not quote from it as he writes to the various congregations if it were not important. Nor would the Lord Jesus Christ mention it. The Law is important. So is the hearing of that Law.

Now, as we consider together another aspect of how we worship let’s consider the hearing of God’s Law.

What the Law Tells Us

We read, “And Moses commanded them, saying, at the end of every seven years, in the set time of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles, when all Israel is come to appear before Jehovah thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. Assemble the people, the men and the women and the little ones, and thy sojourner that is within thy gatees (you see, not even the visitors were to be left out), that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear Jehovah your God, and observe to do all the words of this law; and that their children, who have not known, may hear, and learn to fear Jehovah your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over the Jordan to possess it” (Deut. 31:10–13 ). The Law was to be read. But what does this reading of the Law tell us? The answer to this question will tell us why we must hear the Law read.

The reading of the Law is a word for the Covenant people. Oh, the visitors were to hear it, too, because God is God; but the reading of the Law was for the Covenant people. The passage in Deuteronomy explains that this reading was to be done at a particular time: during “the year of release, in the feast of the tabernacles.” For Israel, this was a tremendously blessed year—a very important year. The land was at rest. The servants who had worked faithfully for a period of years were now to be discharged. If you had been in Israel in that day and you had a debt, a debt you couldn‘t pay, when the year of release came, that debt was wiped away.

This year of release was important in another way because it was a typical year, a year teaching something to Israel. It taught them the Gospel of Grace. They were being: taught that through grace liberation comes. They were free—free from debts, free from bondage. Through this they were being taught that by grace they would he free from the debt of the Law and the bondage of sin. During this year Israel was to gather to hear the Law.

This year was a very happy one for Isarel. In the midst of that great happiness the Law was read. What a joyous time, this reading of the Law! Oh, I know, some today don‘t think of the reading of the Law as a joyful experience. It makes them sad as they think about what God demands. It makes them sad, we are told. For Israel, however, the reading of the Law was a happy time.

It was a happy time no one was to miss. “Assemble the people, the men and til(: women and the little ones.” Even the little children were to gather together to hear the Law. Isn‘t that an interesting point, especially for today when the emphasis is on separate children’s services! In Israel, the children were to worship with their parents. No, they didn’t understand it all, hilt that they he there was God’s will! “Assemble the people, the men and the women and the little ones that they may hear.” So they came together. No one was missed.

This assembling together was to be a regular thing. The word “assemble” gives the idea that it was not just to take place once. It was to he a regular thing. They were to gather regularly to hear the Law being read.

What were they to hear? When we turn to Exodus 19:3–6, we find that they were to hear a proclamation of God’s Covenant. We read, “And Moses went up unto God, and Jehovah called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bear you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be mine own possession from among all peoples: for all the earth is mine: and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.”

And then in Exodus 20 we hear these words: “I am Jehovah thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” The people were being reminded in the Law of God’s Covenant mercy. Then came the commands which outline thankful living. After them, in Exodus 21 through 23 comes a record of the explanation of the commandments. The Covenant people were to hear the laws of their Covenant God.

In this reading of the Law there was a recognition of the needs of God’s Covenant people. Israel’s need to hear the Law was very great. Without doubt, she was a weak people and she lived in the midst of a sinful world. There were temptations all around her, ancl she knew the old man in her heart. She had to grapple with sin because she, herself, was sinful. She was not what she ought to he. She needed to learn of Jehovah. She needed to learn that God who had brought her out of bondage had a way for her to live which was a way of gratitude. Because of the sin–darkened mind that she had, she was without konwledge. She didn‘t know God‘s will, and she had to have it told to her again and again.

Today, the people of God still need to hear the Law, just as did Israel. As we come together as a congregation of God‘s people after a very busy week, a very trying week, a week filled with all kinds of “slips,” we need to hear the Law. We have sinned, and though we don‘t like to admit it, the week that is past has not been filled with perfection. Our walk has not been in the way of God, as it ought to be. Ours has been a walk that gives evidence of guilt and pollution. We can‘t excuse our wrongdoing by saying that we were ton busy. We know that we haven’t lived as we ought.

In worship, the King speaks to His subjects. The King speaks to us as the Law is read. We hear Him say,“I am Jehovah thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” These words arc music to our ears. As God speaks He tells us, “I am thy Sovereign Lord. I rule over you.” He tell us, too, that as the Sovereign Lord who hales sin, He is also the Redeemer. “I am Jehovah, thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt.”

Praise God, I hear the Law. And in that Law our Covenant God speaks to His Covenant people.

Why the Law Is Read

What a tremendous message God has for His own! He says in Deuteronomy 31:13, that as the Law is read, that the “children, who have not known, may hear, and learn to fear Jehovah . . . as long as ye live in the land whither ye go . . . to possess it.” There is the reason why the Law was read.

In the past there has been much discussion as to why the Law is to be read. There have been two different reasons given. Some have said that the Law is to be read as a teacher of sin. Others have insisted that the Law is to be read as a guide for life. Those who have made much of this distinction have told us that where you read the Law in the order of service depends on the reason for which you read it. If it is a teacher of sin, it ought to be read in the early part of the worship service. If it is a guide for life, then it ought to be read at the end of the worship service.

Let’s not fall into the rut of arguing this question. There is a weakness in making this distinction. The weakness simply is this: the reason for reading the Law can be missed completely. You see, it is not just an “either-or” situation. It isn’t that we read the Law either because it teaches us of sin or because it’s a guide for life. We read the Law for both reasons.

For Israel, the reading of the Law contributed to their joy. If it were simply an “either-or” proposition there would have been no joy. what joy would there have been if Israel would have heard the Law simply to teach them their sin? Where would joy be? But what joy would there have been if the Law’s reading were done simply as a guide for life? There would have been no joy if it had been read simply as directions for living because they would not have realized why that Law was even necessary.

To emphasize either reason would direct worship so that it would not be done in the light of Scripture. And more, it wouldn’t take into consideration the needs of God’s Covenant people. You and I need to be reminded how we are to walk to God’s praise. As soon as we hear the Law, our hearts are convicted. At the same time, we say “Now, Father, may it be that I walk in that way.” We need to know sin, but we need to know guidance, as well.

What, then, does the Law say to those gathered together for worship? Well, the Law of God read for God’s Covenant people, tells about God’s love. Yes, you heard right. The Law of God, with all of its thundering “thou shalts” and “thou shalt nots” tells us about the love of God. The Law, as it is heard, paints a picture of bondage. When we hear the voice of God telling us that we arc in bondage we learn that we arc conceived and burn in sin. Cutting deeply are words that reflect the evidence of our bondage.

At the same time, however, the grace of God is drawn out for us. Hearing the Law, we remember that God sent His Son to keep the Law perfectly for us. That was part of His humiliation. That was His work: to come here and keep the Law in the way that we could not and would not. God commanded, “Love me.” We don’t. Jesus did! Each time we hear that Law of God, we are reminded of what Christ did for us, and we are reminded of the fact that He did this out of grace. What a relief!

God has dealt graciously with us in spite of our sin. We hear God’s Law: “I am Jehovah thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. T have done this by grace. Covenant people of God, I have sent my only begotten Son into this world to shed His blood on Calvary and to live again that my eject may know life.” You see, while we see our sin in the Law, we also see God’s grace.

At the same time, the reading of the Law gives us direction for life. That beautiful 19th Psalm (7–13) tells us this, too.

“The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring the soul:

The testimony of Jehovah is sure, making wise the simple.

The precepts of Jehovah are right, rejoicing the heart:

The commandment of Jehovah is pure, enlightening the eyes.

The fear of Jehovah is clean, enduring forever:

The ordinances of Jehovah are true, AND righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold;

Sweeter also than honey and the droppings of the honeycomb.

Moreover by them is thy servant warned:

In keeping them is great reward.

Who can discern HIS errors?

Clear thou me from hidden FAULTS. Keep back thy servant also from presumptious SINS;

Let them not have dominion over me:

Then shall I be upright,

And I shall be clear from great transgression.”

The Law teaches how clear God’s direction comes for our lives. As we hear the Ten Commandments, we hear where life begins, the center of life, where life has its all-in God. Life’s center is not in the gods of this world, nor in the gods of men’s pocketbooks—but in Him. We learn in the law of God where our life begins and ends—with Jehovah. As we go on in the Law, we find out how this life works out. We are to he holy before the Lord. We are to act as Covenant people. We are to worship God in spirit and truth.

God’s Law speaks to our service before His face, and it speaks to as of our many relationships, one with another. We learn that all of life is to be lived under authority because God gives authority. We are not to kill nor steal. We are not to seek other men‘s wives or other women’s hushands. We are to live showing that we love the Lord in every way.

Then, lest we think that all that is necessary is outward purity, we come to the lath commandment. The Lord tells us in this command “I know what’s in yom heart. I know that inwardly you need guidance, too.” We may strictly and rigidly adhere to the Lord’s Day and we may never steal; we may never lie—but we know what’s in our hearts. God knows, too. Holy living in every way is absolutely essential.

As the Law is being read God tells us that His Covenant people are to act as Covenant people. In that Law we are shown how to do this, and thus how to praise God.

How We Are to Respond

What a joyful time for the child of God the reading of the Law should be. When you and I really listen to that Law, it will not be just a matter of dead routine. We will want to hear God speak from Sinai.

Yet, how often haven‘t I seen people pull out their bulletins and read them while the Law is being read. They are not listening to God. Oh, they say that the reading of the Law with its sameness becomes dull, dead routine. Maybe it can, but what will change that is not a new way of reading the Law, but, rather, our hearts being changed so we can worship. Then we will find that as we worship in spirit and truth, we will want to hear God as He speaks to us from Sinai.

To this speaking of God, response will burst from our hearts. 111ere will be two kinds of responses. One will come right away, as we unitedly act as the Body of Christ in worship. We will pray and sing. We will confess that our love for Him is not full : it’s ever so imperfect. We will petition for forgiveness. We will thank the Lord for the work of the Savior who kept all of that Law. And in our hearts, as well as on our lips will be joy.

With the Psalmist we will breathe:

Remember not, O God, The sins of long ago; In tender mercy visit us, Distressed and humbled low.

Then, safe within, Thy fold, We will exalt Thy name; Our thankful hearts with songs of joy Thy goodness will proclaim.

What joy there is in our hearts as we respond!

Yet, this response will not stop in worship. It will be an ongoing one. It will be a response that we will show day after day. It will take the form of a desire in our hearts, by the grace of God, to keep that Law. That’s exactly why Israel was to hear that Law. They were to learn Jehovah’s fear for the days of their earthly journey. In every way they were to praise the Lord. To do this, they needed to know how. And so God gave them the Law. And then, as they went into the marketplace, they knew how to live. As they were in their homes, they knew how to live. As they engaged in every kind of interpersonal relationship, they knew how to live.

You and I, too, need our souls quickened. We need our hearts refreshed. We need our eyes enlightened. We need to learn what it is to be a distinctive people, to be Covenant people in this world. Hearing God’s Law, we pray that it may show us ever so clearly the godly way of life and that this may be applied by the Holy Spirit.

Now, how do you hear God’s Law? If you are a child of God, you are to hear it gladly. Do you? Or do you read the bulletin? Or do you stare off into space? Or, do you sit there with a very attentive gaze, but really, without hearing?

If you are a child of God, you will find that you will grow to hear God‘s Law gladly. Oh, true, it brings discomfort. We don‘t like to have our toes stepped on, and God‘s Law certainly crushes our toes into nne powder, sometimes. But, at the same time that Law will throw us on the Lord Jesus Christ. What joy and comfort it brings into our lives! By it we are restored! By it we are guided! By it we are directed to praise the living God!

The results of hearing the Law will increase. There will be that growing readiness to respond to the will of God here as the people of God. We will and as we worship in spirit and truth, and as we pray God’s blessing upon us as we worship, that the Law speaks more clearly to each and everyone of us. And kindled in our hearts, by the grace of God, will be a deeper desire to go forth to God’s praise!