David Steed

The focus is not on Jesus who must be at the heart of true worship The focus rather can be on feelings of love and reassurance which is good but can to a greater or less can be found in human relationships Worse success celebrity and materialism can encroach on worship and it can turn into an idol.

Put the focus where it should always be on Jesus Worship should be truth based and also spirit filled It should take into account how great God is his majesty holiness power and love Don’t forget the importance of confession and repentance in true worship for all have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God and if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us from our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness

Some wished to stay in Babylon because they had become comfortable and were willing to acquiesce with the surrounding culture Some may have remembered the difficulties they had encountered in advance of the invasion by the Babylonians and their subsequent deportation and exile They didn’t want a return to those difficulties and opted for a quiet life So they were safe people not willing to disturb their comfort and preferring a comfortable lifestyle. Similarly today many do not want to face the consequences as they see it of being disciples of Jesus preferring comfort and material pleasures.