Why should we worship God at all, and what do we do when worship turns into an empty ritual or a reflex we perform because it is expected? The sermon walks through Psalm 113, sung by Israel at the Passover table, and shows a God whose name is: I am who I am. That same God, greater than the galaxies, bends down over the poor and over the woman no one else was willing to look at. Listen if you are looking for a reason to worship that runs deeper than tradition or the mood of the moment.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- The Israelites sang Psalms 113-118 at Passover, remembering the exodus from Egypt. What might the words of Psalm 113 have meant to a family hearing the story of their liberation from slavery every year?
- Psalm 113 says the Lord is exalted above the heavens, yet He looks down on the earth, lifts the poor from the dust and makes the childless woman a mother. What does this contrast tell us about who God is?
- The sermon reminds us that the name Yahweh, "I am who I am", points to a God who never changes and keeps His promises. How does this truth shape your trust in Him compared to your trust in people?
- The speaker warned that worship can become an empty habit, like a bored family at yet another Passover. What helps you worship God intentionally rather than just because it is expected?
- Queen Victoria simply wept together with a woman who had lost her child. In what situation do you experience God stooping down to you in your weakness or helplessness?
- What specific quality of God or work of His in your life do you want to intentionally praise Him for this week, and how could you do that?
