AUTHENTIC WORSHIP
Greg and Nanette Robinson
Today’s Scripture: “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.” John 4:23, ESV
Theme: God doesn’t call us to observe worship; He calls us to participate in it.
WORSHIP IN SPIRIT
You may be familiar with Joni Eareckson Tada through her ministry, Joni and Friends. She is a world-renowned evangelist and author of more than forty books, an accomplished artist who paints remarkable works by holding a paint brush in her mouth, and a tireless advocate for people with disabilities.
At the age of seventeen, Joni became a quadriplegic after a diving accident left her paralyzed from the shoulders down. Although she had placed her faith in Jesus Christ prior to the accident, her understanding of and her dependence on Him deepened profoundly through her suffering.
When I think of unforgettable moments when I have witnessed the Holy Spirit energize a congregation and draw people into genuine worship, my mind goes to a service where Joni shared her testimony. As she rolled onto the stage in her wheelchair, there was an unmistakable honesty and authenticity about her. Her resilience, faith, and testimony touched every heart in the room.
At one point she asked a simple yet powerful question: “What name do you call my Lord?” What followed was a holy celebration as the Holy Spirit made His presence known, and everyone began to participate in worship. Someone shouted “Amen;” hallelujahs rang out; the choir began clapping; and testimonies erupted from across the room. One voice called Him Jehovah. Another proclaimed Him the Lamb. Someone declared Him the Lion, another the Great I AM. The worship reached its crescendo when a voice rose above the rest and cried out, “He is the Way Maker!”
WORSHIP IN TRUTH
That outpouring of the Holy Spirit is something I remember vividly all these many years later. Yet for me, worship in spirit and truth most often happens in quieter moments. It is found in the mornings when I open my Bible, meditate on Scripture, truthfully confess my shortcomings, and ask for forgiveness. It is found when I earnestly lift others up in prayer, ask God to reveal His will, and seek to live a life that more closely resembles Jesus.
In those moments, I give Him thanks and praise for all He has done in my life and for the beauty of His creation. When I participate in worship with my heart, soul, and mind each morning, God faithfully guides my thoughts, restores my soul, and inspires me to do His will.
WORSHIP IN LOVE
Today’s Scripture comes from the words of Jesus spoken to a Samaritan woman at a well. In the heat of the day after a long journey, Jesus asked her to draw Him a drink of water. This interaction was highly unusual. As a Jew, it was not customary for Him to speak with a Samaritan.
It was also unusual because Jesus did not truly need her help; He is God. Yet He sought her out. That simple request for her to draw water opened the door to a conversation about what she was truly thirsty for which – though she didn’t know it yet – was a personal relationship with God. Jesus had sought her out because He loved her, just like He loves you and me. In her brokenness, she accepted Him as Christ and her testimony led other Samaritans to Jesus and they worshipped Him also, declaring, “For we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world” (John 4:42b, ESV).
God does not need us to love or worship Him, but He knows that when our focus is on Him, our minds become more Christlike, our hearts grow more loving, and our hands and feet move away from the perils of sin and toward the righteousness of God.
Make It Personal: It doesn’t matter if, like Joni, we worship from a wheelchair, unable to stand or raise our hands. It doesn’t matter if we worship by shouting, testifying, singing, or praising at the top of our lungs. It doesn’t matter if we worship quietly in a closet or worship Him broken and burdened by our sin. What matters is that we come to Him authentically, fully participating in spirit and in truth. When we do, He will seek us out and give us exactly what we need – because He loves us.
Pray: Father, I come before You in the Name of Your Son, Jesus, and through the power of the Holy Spirit. Please hear my prayer. Forgive me where I have failed You and impress upon me Your will for this day. You know all about me, and there is nothing I can hide from You. Restore my soul and allow my love for You and for others to shine more authentically. Guide my hands and feet toward Your righteousness and away from sin. Make it so I’m not a mere observer of worship but that my spirit is fully and authentically engaged in praise and adoration for You, my Savior and Lord! Amen.
Read: Ephesians 5:18-20
Weekly Memory Verse:
“Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;” Psalm 95:6, NIV