A QUESTION OF WORSHIP

The word Worship is said to be found more than 170 times in the Hebrew Bible and is found 108 times in the King James Version of the Bible. As defined in Vines Expository Dictionary: worship means to lay prostrate or to bow down, before a superior or a ruler. It is to pay homage. The first act of this form of worship is found in Genesis 18: 2, where Abraham "bowed himself toward the ground" before the 3 messengers who announced that Sarah would have a son. This manner of worship speaks of an act that is visible and demonstrative. While in the case with Abraham as mentioned, we can only conclude that the act was the workings of the inner man; many of the instances where men have been known to bow down and lay prostrate, were out of fear, matters of obedience, customs, traditions subtly or some form of duty. There is universal worship, expressed in different ways fundamental to our existence. In this regard we are all worshippers, worshipping different things and people; with pets and inanimate objects taking precedence over people. However; in spite of this diversity in worship; there are really only two kinds of worshippers in the world: those who worship God and those who worship idols. Many of us will not admit to worshipping idols due to the fact, we: lack understanding, are in denial or are afraid to admit it. On the other hand there are those who will be proud to admit it. An interesting note on the Scripture’s reference to Worshippers: is that the word worshippers is only mentioned seven times in the KJV with 5 of them in the Old Testament; referring to those who worship idols (Baal) (2 Kings 10: 19 – 23) and 2 in the New Testament referring to those who worship the true and living God (John 4: 23 and Hebrews 10: 2). This in no way diminishes the importance of becoming True Worshippers. There are many making claims of been worshippers of God while at the same time are simultaneously worshipping idols, confident they are true worshippers. While it is true that they are worshippers they are not True Worshippers; you cannot serve God and mammon. If ones objective is to worship God, it is necessary to give up everything including self. The focus must be on God and God alone. In most of what we do there remain a focus on self; that is hard to let go of. It is that part of the mind’s eye which continues to look to those things which we believe, in some way, will help us to live better, look better and feel better. We feel incomplete without them, with a sense of inadequacy hanging over us. We find that the more we achieve is the more we want to achieve and this desire of want is deeply ingrained in our being. The flesh is always dissatisfied keeping us suspended in a state of discontent. The worship of God is nowhere defined in Scripture. The worship spoken of in the New Testament, identifies the Worshipper as one who makes obeisance and do reverence to God stressing the feeling of awe and devotion. It is not confined to praise. Broadly: it is a direct acknowledgement of God, of His nature, attributes, ways, claims, power, authority and Divinity expressed by the outpouring of the heart in praise and thanksgiving and by acts and deeds done in such acknowledgment with total surrender of one’s self to His Will. It embodies unconditional love of God and man, a willingness to do what the Spirit commands, long suffering, self denial, contentment and an unwavering trust in God alone. It is a continuous process of the inner workings of the Spiritual Man operating on the faith of Jesus Christ. It is not limited to that pious out pouring of emotions on Saturday or Sunday in the denominational setting of our choice; but is one’s entire life style on all seven days. A continuous obeisance and reverence to Jehovah. We have been given over to an outward display of demonstrative acts of worship while the heart of the Spirit Man is in part courting the desires of the flesh. Ninety nine (99%) percent worship of God is less than True Worship. Christ puts it best as He ministered to the woman at the well at Samaria: “the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:23-24). God wants your all, not just one part: He wants all of your heart; all God wants is you. Will you let go of self and let God define you; that you may know, experience and enjoy True Worship of our God? Who: so loved us that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

I love you my brother, I love you my sister; may the love of God remain, rest, rule and abide in your hearts for evermore. Be blessed.

W. Bennett