“But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for those who will worship him that way.” John 4:23 (NLT)
One of the most wholesome conversations in the Bible happened between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at a well of Jacob. Perceiving Jesus as a prophet, she asked him an insightful question about the acceptable place to worship God – the mountains or Jerusalem (John 4:20). Bear in mind that this question had caused a rift between the Jews and the Samaritans for ages.Jesus’ response draws both parties of the divide to the true intents of God’s heart.
A time is coming and indeed is here, when true worship to God will not be a matter of the location but of the position of a man’s heart – when true worship is done in spirit and truth (John 4:21-24).There is a way God desires to be worshipped. Hence, true worship is not determined by the exertion of the one worshipping but by alignment with the desire of the One being worshipped. Apostle Paul alluded to this when he wrote about the Jews. He acknowledged that they had a burning desire for God, yet go on to establish their own righteousness, not submitting themselves unto the righteousness of God (Romans 10:2-3).
Similarly, The story of Cain and Abel presents us with an illustration of offering true worship to God (Genesis 4:1-16). Contrary to popular opinion, Cain’s offering was not rejected because he brought bad crops to God. Interestingly, his anger was fuelled by the fact that he ‘did his best’ by sacrificing what he worked hard for (Genesis 4:7). However, Cain’s behaviour portrays man’s glory in self-effort. Abel on the other hand, offered a sacrifice of firstborn lambs from his flock, presenting a figure of the acceptable sacrifice of Jesus, the lamb of God (Romans 3:25-26). Faith in the revelation of what was pleasing to God was the game changer for Abel (Hebrews 11:4).
We express worship to God through singing, praying, thanksgiving, serving others and living daily in obedience to the will of God. However, our worship and service to God are only acceptable before God based on our faith in the perfect sacrifice of Jesus and not based on our effort or estimation of what is best for God (Hebrews 10:12).
The term worship was first used in the Bible when in obedience to God and by faith, Abraham was going to sacrifice his son, Isaac (Genesis 22:5). This understanding should filter through our daily living experiences and lead us to submit ourselves – body, thoughts, actions, goals and desires – under the righteousness of God (Romans 10:3, 12:1-2).
Bible Reading Plan: Hebrews 4