This morning I was pondering this topic and I came up with three things that the resurrection has changed about worship. There is probably a lot more things that better bible scholars could share, but this is what come to me in the shower.
God's presence.
Before the resurrection, worship was done in God's unique presence which was tied to specific times and places. Mt. Sinai, the pillar of cloud and flame, the tabernacle, and finally the temple. In John, Jesus tells the woman at the well that a time is coming when you won't need to go to the temple to worship. Elsewhere in the gospels, Jesus proclaims that he will destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days. Through the resurrection, the presence of God is now tied to the Holy Spirit that lives in the hearts of His redeemed people. We can be in the presence of God anytime, anywhere to worship.
The Sacrifice.
Before the resurrection, a sacrifice was required to atone for the sins of the worshiper before they could enter into worship. Through the resurrection, Jesus becomes the great high priest who offers His own blood to atone for our sins so that we can approach the throne of mercy with confidence. Jesus can fulfill this role because He lives. Read the book of Hebrews to get this concept fully fleshed out. (by the way, this is why we're singing my new arrangement for Watt's "Jesus My Great High Priest" tomorrow.)
The Song.
Jesus is our singing savior (see Reggie Kidd's book "With One Voice"). He lives to stand before the Father and in the midst of the assembly of worshipers to lead us in the song. Again, read Hebrews and Psalm 22.
Please share any more thoughts you have on how the resurrection affects worship.
(still no baby...)
