Scripture of the Week
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh 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 (King James Version)
We all realize that worship is important to God. But how many of us know exactly what true worship is?
In Christian churches, the term "worship" is commonly associated with the singing portion of the Sunday morning service. Unfortunately, the constrasting styles and traditions of what some considered true worship is one of the great divisions amongst believers (and one of the reasons for so many different denominations).
In some congregations, worship may be looked at as a time of reverently reciting the old, classic hymns of the past. In others, the most sincere worshippers might be viewed as those with their eyes closed and hands lifted up. In some, it's common to see people dancing and jumping before the altar like King David.
While speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus addresses the complex topic of worship, letting it be known that no man-made ritual could satisfy what God was actually looking for from people.
In John 4, the woman was clearly confused about the many conflicting religious traditions of her time. Her ancestors had worshipped God there on the mountain, but the Jews were teaching that God had to be worshipped in Jerusalem.
Jesus responded by letting her know that location made no difference to God. What mattered was that she worshipped Him "in Spirit and in Truth." In other words, it needed to be something from the heart (not simply a show before other people) and it needed to match up with scripture.
In the same way today, God is not looking for a certain style of music or particular song. He is not impressed by our outward expressions, unless our hearts match. In fact, worship can be shown in the very way we live our lives. It can be done by showing kindness to another person, turning away from evil desires or sharing the Gospel to an unbeliever.
Daily Reading
Sunday, May 8: 1 Chronicles, Chapters 22-24
Monday, May 9: 1 Chronicles, Chapters 25-27
Tuesday, May 10: 1 Chronicles, Chapters 28-29 & 2 Chronicles, Chapter 1
Wednesday, May 11: 2 Chronicles, Chapters 2-5
Thursday, May 12: 2 Chronicles, Chapters 6-8
Friday, May 13: 2 Chronicles, Chapters 9-12
Saturday, May 14: 2 Chronicles, Chapters 13-17
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