| Introduction |
There are many different perceptions of
"worship". Christian concerts today boast great
music, singers and entertainment value. We want to
examine, however, what is "worship" as the
Bible teaches. In John's Gospel, we read of the
Samaritan Woman whom Jesus met at the well. She had a
wrong perception of worship - for she based her worship
upon the superstition that God is confined to a certain
physical place.
Sometimes, worship today is not real worship, but
rather spectacular experiences, entertaining services and
concerts, to stir up emotions instead of seeking the
presence of God. It is sad that worship no longer centers
on the mighty God - how to touch the heart of God,
but centers on seeking the excitement and thrill of the
audience.
|
| How is worship possible? |
Worship is possible if a proper
relationship exists between God and the individual. Some
think that worship is a human initiative or endeavour
that one can "switch" on or off as one
wishes... anywhere... anytime, as one likes. There is
some truth in that, though not completely so. As
Christians, we should approach worship as an opportunity
to encounter God in a personal and intimate way, and
allow Jesus to move in us and make changes in our lives.
In other words, worship is our response to a
self-revealing God.
|
| God in
our Worship |
All true worship begins with the
self-revealing God. It is not so much our efforts, merits
or initiative that results in true worship. If God had
not revealed himself to us through Jesus Christ, there
would be no way for us to experience true worship. If God
does to reach out to us, to touch us, to minister
love, comfort, strength and other blessings, all our
worship is empty. Worship is possible with God as the prime
mover. In a drama, concert or play, success usually
ginges on two important groups of people: the performers,
and the audience. Some churches make worshippers to be
"audience" while they watch and cheer God, or
the songleaders and preachers, as the "actors".
Such understanding of worship is incorrect - since
it makes worship entertainment - like watching a good
movie or concert.
|
| True Worship |
In true worship, God is the
"audience" while the worshippers are the
"actors" - doing all things to please the
heart of God! The worshippers, songleaders, preachers
are all actors - doing their best to make worship
acceptable to God. The singing , praising, praying,
preaching all center on the Lord God alone. There
should be fear and reverence for God in our
worship as we realize our unworthiness in the presence of
the Holy and Almighty God. God came to us first. He
expects us to respond by reaching out to Him and allow
Him to change our lives, for worship is empty without God
reaching out to us. God receives no benefits or rewards
from the worshippers. Instead the worshippers receive
great benefits and blessings from the almighty God.
|
| Worship in Silence? |
We can also worship in silence - not
necessarily always with music at full blast! An
African native, away from his village, met some
missionaries and learnt of a God who loves people.
He went back to his tribe carrying the Book (Bible)
which tells of God, but he was unable to read it. When he
told the tribe of God, they wanted to do God honour. But
how could they worship Him?
They laid the Book on a stump and sat around it in
silence. Did such worship touch the heart of God? I am
sure it did, more than much of the cold ritual or noisy
worship we used to have in our churches.
(taken from Willaim Carle, in the Moody Monthly)
|
| The
Worshippers in Worship |
In worship, we, as worshippers, must come
before God in humility and repentant hearts
confessing all our sins and offences against God and
people. Unless we learn to repent of our sins and seek
God's forgiveness, there is no way we can worship God in
sincerity and truth. Without daily confession of sins, we
would end up "stockpiling" sins which bar us
from the presence of God. With the confession of our
sins, we begin to experience the joy of God's
forgiveness. In true worship, we are able to come before
God's presence and allow Him to speak to us through His
Word, the Bible. The Word of God teaches us the ways of
God - how we can be better Christians in loving others
with the love of Jesus and in loving God.
|
| A proper attitude |
God requires that we, His people, really
love God without hypocrisy and insincerity. Without
dedication and commitment to the Lord Jesus, worship
becomes empty. In our worship, we must sincerely pray and
believe, "Lord, Thy will be done in me." In
true worship, our hearts are touched by God, causing us
to love Jesus more. We want to give sacrificially to
God's work more. We want to share God's love with others.
We want to pray more and read God's Word more.
|
| The
Result of True Worship |
After we have experienced God in our
worship, we are ready to be used of God. We are ready to
obey Him and allow Him to send us into the world to the
lost millions living in sins. After we have been touched
of God we are ready to go out and make a difference with
the power and love of Jesus. We can no longer wait to
be witnesses for Jesus, for we have the good news of
God's love and salvation. We receive new strength to be
witnesses, for without God we can do nothing. Hence
worship is in every sense a deep relationship with
God.
Worship causes us to be "on fire" with God's
love. Worship is not an "extra", sometime to
"kill time"; neither is it a Sunday "last
resort" activity.
In true worship, we enjoy God's presence and receive
joy and blessings. There is no compulsion. We allow
ourselves to experience the mercy and faithfulness of
God. It is a great time for all of us to come together to
fellowship with our Creator and God.
|
| The Reason for the
Difference |
The churches of four Nigerian towns
combined to hold a Communion service. An African
addressed the crowed church as follows: "I
cannot tell you the gladness that is in my heart today.
As I walked along the path with the other members from my
town, I saw that each man held in his hand his Bible and
hymnbook. No man carried a sword or gun. No man walked
with fear. All walked with faith. And yet 4 years ago no
man from my town would have walked through your town
without a sword in his hands, and even then he would not
have walked alone. Nor would any man from your town have
come unharmed through ours. What is the reason for this
difference?
"At that time we worshipped the same tribal gods
as you did. Today, we also worship the same God - Christ
- as you do, but the God we worship today is a God of
peace. We have learnt that He is our Father, and that we
are brothers."
From "What is This Christianity?" By the
Bishop of Croydon
|
| Conclusion |
Yes, in true worship, we come together as
one people to worship the almighty God. There are no more
divisions, quarrels, barriers, etc. Rich or poor, black-
or white-skinned, young or old, educated or illiterate,
all can worship our Lord together. |
