2003-06-20 - Jesus as Our Great Physician

Encore from 2000-03-26

Sometimes we go to church, sit and listen for an hour. We hear other people sing, hear other people read the Scriptures, hear the minister preach, and we think we have worshipped. Probably not. Worship is not something that is done to us; it's something we are to do, ourselves. Worship is something we do, not something God does, nor something the minister nor worship leaders do for us!

According to Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, one definition of "worship" is "proskuneo," which means "....an act of homage or reverence."

Psa 95:6 (NNAS) Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.

A late minister of mine once said that as Christians, "worship is our work." God expects us to worship. He seeks our worship.

John 4:23 (NNAS) But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.

We are to acknowledge God, to praise Him.

1 Chr 16:29 (NNAS) Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come before Him; Worship the LORD in holy array.

Psa 146:2 (NNAS) I will praise the LORD while I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.

We are to worship in local congregations.

Psa 111:1 (NNAS) Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart, In the company of the upright and in the assembly.

Heb 10:24-25 (NNAS) and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.

Do you find that you aren't getting a lot out of the worship service you attend? It helps to have a captivating, dynamic minister, and a talented choir. But much of it depends surprisingly on us, our receptiveness and preparation. Two people can listen to the same sermon. One will find it stale; the other will glean fresh insights. What's the difference? It's true that sometimes one of the people already know what is being preached or taught -- perhaps they are farther along on their Christian journey. But sometimes it's a matter of prayer and preparation, and an opennness of heart. Pray for focus. Think about the words you are singing. Pray for the minister's words, and for for application to your life.

However, worship is not for Sundays only. In fact, our everyday lives are to be given to God in worship.

Rom 12:1 (NNAS) Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

Col 3:17 (NNAS) Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

All we do and say should be done in His honor.

Dear Lord help us to render to You our very lives in worship of You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Jan

 jan@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org