Work and Worship by Raphael ben Levi
There are several Hebrew words for praise (e.g., Hallel, Tehilah, Zamah, Todah, Barach, “Yadah”) that describe different aspects of worship. For example, “Yadah” is derived from the Hebrew word for “hand” (yad) and describes moments of worship with the raising of hands. When the Israelites fought against the Amalekites (Ex.17) raising hands meant battling. As long as Moses’ hands were lifted in prayer, Israel prevailed. When we surrender ourselves to the Lord with arms lifted up in worship, we can be reminded who is fighting our battles.
In its original sense, praise and worship was directly linked to work (“avodah”) related to sacrifices offered in the Temple. “Avodah” literally means service as named for the Temple ritual on Yom Kippur. (Lev.16) It’s in this sense that “avodah” can be understood as service (or worship) unto God.
Work becomes worship when it’s done with the appropriate ‘Kavanah’ (intent) and ‘Shiflut’ (humility) providing the potential to become entirely interconnected. Then our every act, however menial it may appear becomes an expression of worship and is only downgraded to hard labour when our focus is diverted away from God. A perfect illustration was in Lucifer’s rebellion (Isa.14) who was the lead cherub and worship leader in Heaven. His downfall was sealed the instant he took his eyes off God and placed them upon himself. At that moment, the seed of corruption was ignited which paved the way to his ultimate and eternal doom.
We are currently in a period of deep introspection spanning months 4-7 in the Hebrew calendar. It’s a good time to reflect upon our lives whether they are characterised by true worship or hard labour? True worship is governed by the infinite; hard labour by the finite. I may strive to acquire a fortune of material wealth, but it will never fulfil my longings: that is work. Yet, when I steadfastly fix my eyes upon Yeshua my life becomes irrevocably transformed. Worship becomes work and work, worship: both are dynamically and irrevocably entwined.
Work provides us with the potential to accomplish “tikkun olam” (repair of the world.) “The Torah is meant to be lived, not studied. We are to meditate on it day and night, night and day, not by withdrawing from the world but rather by engaging fully in the world while meditating on the Torah and its teaching…” www.myjewishlearning.com/article/avodah-vocation-calling-service/
Every job has finite value but work submitted as worship unto God is infinite, perfectly expressed by Yeshua reflected in our lives too when we choose to submit ourselves fully to Him. “I exhort you, therefore, brothers, in view of God’s mercies, to offer yourselves as a sacrifice, living and set apart for God. This will please him; it is the logical “Temple worship” for you.” (Rom 12:1)
