Post by Zac Loh on Dec 3, 2008 12:37:37 GMT -5
We will begin with the women of the Bible as we mine for the gems of truth. Is it surprising that we can learn a whole range of truth on worship from women?
A SINFUL WOMAN
Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And he went to the Pharisee's house, and sat down to eat. And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, (Luke 7:36-37)
1. Worship Involves Boldness
This was a bold move by the woman. Not only that she wasn't invited to the Pharisees house, she knew that the people knew that she was a prostitute (most likely).
When David took off his kingly robe and danced before God with his undergarments in the public, he was ridiculed by this own wife. When we worship God with all of our hearts, as David did, with an uninhibited, transparent expression, there is definitely a risk that people will ridicule the way we worship... whether said or unsaid... BUT LET'S WORSHIP GOD, ANYWAY!
2. Worship Costs Us Something
The fragrant oil, an alabaster flask of it, was very costly (most likely imported from Northern India).
The First Great Commandment is 'love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength' (Mark 12:30)
David said that he will not offer something to the Lord that costs him nothing (2 Samuel 24:24). When we worship God, we must give Him full attention even though we could have given him just 50%, with the balance of our mind calculating company profits or contemplating the next big project. He wants the full of us, of everything, 100%. Give God all your energy when you worship-- even though you could reserve some energy (or use that time) to work to make more money. Yes, worship costs us something.
3. Forsaking Our Sinful Life In Worship
The alabaster flask of fragrant oil was her means of doing 'business'. She was forsaking her sinful life in worship to Jesus. We ought to forsake our sinful life, even as we worship Jesus.
4. Real Worship Comes From Meekness, Humility And Brokenness
She stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. (Luke 7:38)
She stood at Jesus' feet behind Him weeping. It was customary for a woman to stand behind a man: a sign of meekness and submission.
5. Worship Involves Our Emotion
She was weeping so greatly that there was enough tears to wash Jesus' feet.
6. Embrace The Lifestyle Of Jesus In Worship
Jesus' feet signified His lifestyle
He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.( 1 John 2:6)
By washing, wiping and kissing Jesus' feet -- she was expressing and demonstrating that she was embracing the lifesyle of Jesus.
7. True Worship Anoints The Lord
She anointed Jesus' feet with the fragrant oil. There is a reason why the presence of the Lord comes so often when we worship. Before His anointing could flow and miracles happen, His presence comes first. True worship invites His presence because it anoints Him.
8. Worship Him In Gratefulness For All That He Has Done For Us
"There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell me, therefore, which of them will love him more?" Simon answered and said. "I suppose the one whom he forgave more." (Luke 7:41-43)
The root meaning of the word 'worship' in the original New Testament, which was in ancient Greek, meant `an adorer' implying 'to kiss, like a dog licking has master's hand' and `to fawn or crouch to.' It portrays a dog which is so happy that the Master has returned home that she began to lick her Master's hand. This dog expressed such gratefulness and love for her master. Do you see the resemblance here with the scenario of the sinful woman with Jesus (who is the Creator)? Can we appreciate it when we see what it took for Jesus to provide forgiveness for our sins? It was our sins that nailed Him to the cross. Is Jesus truly our Lord? We cannot say we have truly worshipped Him until He has become our Master. But it must not be done grudgingly, nor out of resentment. Do we adore our Lord? Instead of being negative towards our Master because we have no choice but to accept Him as our Master, let us adore our Lord. Because this is truly worship!
9. How We Worship The Lord Is How We Treat Him
Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but his woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint my head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. (Luke 7:44-46)
A lot of people do not understand the significance when the Lord walks in their midst. How are we treating Him? Sad to say, some ignorant people do not know if the Lord walks in. What is worse, some could not care less to pay any attention!
10. Worship Is The Expression Of Our Love
Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little. (Luke 7:47)
Do you understand this woman's love for the Lord?
11. Worship Him In Faith
Then He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace." (Luke 7:50)
When we begin to worship the Lord, many times we do not feel anything at first. Due to work pressure or a circumstance in our life, some of us may not feel like worshiping Him in times like these. But we must worship Him in faith! We know the Word. Our faith acts first. The real divine spiritual feelings will come later. After which, we will feel the spiritual energy. And we are refreshed for the road ahead! The Lord wants to give us more than we give Him!
MARY, SISTER OF LAZARUS AND MARTHA
12. Best Worship Comes From A Consecrated Life
And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured in on His head (Mark 14:3)
Mary was a virgin. The oil of spikenard probably cost her life savings. She was reserving the perfumed oil for her marriage, to be used for her wedding night. By breaking the flask and pouring the oil on Jesus, she was saying that she was dedicating and consecrating her life to Jesus alone. We, like her, are the bride of Christ. The Lord is looking for such a dedication and consecration from us. Are we willing?
13. Worship Acknowledges Jesus As The Head Of Our Lives
She pours the oil on Jesus' head. Jesus is the head of the church. The head is suppose to be the thinking part of decision-making. Are we submitting our life decisions to the Lord -- before we come to worship him?
14. Our Worship May Invite Or Incite Criticism Of Others
But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, "Why was this fragrant oil wasted? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor. " And they criticised her sharply. (Mark 14:4-6)
David's worship invited (or incited) criticism... from his wife. Mary's worship had the same type of effect. Why is there people who criticize whole-hearted worship of the Lord? God allowed it - to purify and test our worship of Him.
15. Be Extravagant In Our Worship To Him
But Jesus said, "Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. (Mark 14:6)
The very fact that she was so extravagant in her worship of Jesus - that it invited the criticism of others (especially those who is influenced by religious spirits). But just as God loves a cheerful giver, He loves an extravagant worshipper!
16. Do All You Can To Worship Him
For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. (Mark 14:7-8)
Have you done all you can to worship Jesus? He will appreciate it!
17. The Ministry Of Worship Precedes The Ministry of Preaching The Gospel
Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her." (Mark 14:9)
Saving the lost is God's heartbeat. Yet, worship means our heart is saved for Him alone.
MARY MAGDALENE, JOANNA, SUSANNA, AND MANY OTHERS
Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of thek ingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities -- Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance. (Luke 8:1-3)
18. Worship As You Follow Him
You cannot worship and be stationary. We need to obey Him wherever He may lead us, to be in His perfect will for our lives. There is a song that goes, "Shepherd of my soul, I give you full control... wherever He may lead, I will follow... "
19. Worship Him With Your Substance
Do you realize that your giving of material and finance can go right up to His throne?
This is Paul's insight: "Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaproditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God." (Philippians 4:18)
MARY, THE MOTHER OF JESUS
20. Worship Him In His True Identity, Position And Authority
"On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine."Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it." (John 2:1-5)
Looking at the way Jesus spoke to His mother, we see that Jesus was not speaking to her - as her son; but as the Son of God.
Mary knew her position. She was conscious of the fact that she was merely human -- who was a chosen virgin by God, to give birth to Jesus. It was only by the power given to her by God.
A teacher of the Word rightly stated that 'we tend to put God at our own human level, reducing Hm to only what our nature and character can accept, and not according to the truth.'
You only have to take a look at the Book of Revelation to know Jesus' true identity, position and authority -- and see all the worship accorded to Him!
MARY MAGDALENE AND THE OTHER MARY
Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. ... So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held Him by the feet and worshipped Him. (Matthew 28:1... 8-9)
They were not expecting this encounter but their immediate responses were to worship the resurrected Jesus. It is apparent that their hearts were full of readiness -- in their attitude of worship. It was not a premeditative move, but a spontaneous act from what was already in their heart.
21. Always Be Ready to Worship Jesus... Anytime!
Be ready to worship the Lord always. The Lord may come to visit you anytime. His presence may come to you when you are driving somewhere. His presence may come to you while you are cooking. Most of all, be prepared to be resurrected in the rapture worshipping the Lord in the air!
LYDIA
And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to women who met there. Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshipped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. (Acts 16:13,14)
Out of all the women who were there for prayer, the Lord singled her out. What did the Lord see in this woman? The Lord has no favoritism. He could have opened the other women's heart... if He could reach into their hearts! The Lord reached into Lydia's heart because she had worshipped Him with her heart, while the rest did it just customarily.
22. Worship God With Your Heart
Are you just worshipping the Lord ritually or customarily... Sunday after Sunday? Are singing songs and lifting up hands a ritual to you? As a matter of fact, is going to church every Sunday a ritual to you? Some people come to church half-heartedly and worship God half-heartedly... all and all, they just want to attend services. This is the reason why the Lord could not open their heart to receive the message which was being preached soon after. It had all gone into head knowledge instead of heart knowledge!
Let's Discover Men Of Worship.
THE WISE MEN
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:10-11)
This is a wonderful story of how some men journeyed far away to worship Jesus. They were earnest seekers, looking for the God of heaven. Closing our eyes in prayer is the norm with us because of the much distraction... attraction... diversion. But I don't think it was such a case with them. Somebody prayed with their eyes opened... looking to the God of heaven... and saw a star. God gave them a revelation of this star... leading to the King of the Jews... Jesus! They were wise as it was written, but by Godly wisdom. But on the opposite side was Herod, full of carnal and evil wisdom. They met Herod and were unknowingly used.
Then, they were supernaturally warned in a dream. Anyway, what did they see in this helpless infant born in a manger that they fell down and worshipped Him? The star had been their divine revelation.
23. Worship By Divine Revelation
Worship is supernatural, heavenly and spiritual. It is not just the physical singing, clapping hands, dancing to the rhythm, musical instruments playing away, and etc. Some became so attuned to the physical going-ons that they lost the real thing. We must consistently be imparted with divine revelation by the Holy Spirit in our worship.
But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship HIm must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:23-24)
The star wasn't ordinary. It was a travelling star. Angels are known to have the ability to shine forth light; even though angels of darkness do pose as angels of light. This one is certainly not a fallen angel. God's angels were prominently featured in relative to the event of the birth of Jesus -- before, during and after. For example, we read angels appearing to certain shepherds... and the multitude of angels praised God. (Luke 2:8-15)
24. Helped By Angels To Worship
Let us be sensitive to the presence of angels. Let the choir leader, the musicians and the singing worshippers be helped by God's angels. For they know how to worship God! These men journeyed afar to have finally met Jesus: to worship. They had gone through wanderings to have finally arrived at the place where Jesus was.
25. Earnestly Seek Him To Worship
Sometimes we didn't press in enough, to earnestly seek Him... to arrive at a spiritual place where we will meet Him. We cannot worship just from afar. These wise men were not satisfied with worshipping Him from afar. Truest and highest satisfaction in worship is when we finally meet Him face-to-face. Have you ever felt the awesome presence of God at your face? You can arrive at this place of worship. Only seek Him with all your heart.
But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. (Deuteronomy 4:29)
The way Jesus was worshipped by these men gives us a beautiful picture as to the manner Jesus is to be worshipped. Worship flows out of the essence of our heart - because we love Him. Fundamentally, to love is to give. For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16a). God gave us His most treasured possession. And these wise men gave Jesus their most treasured possessions: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And mind you, these items were not cheap at those times.
26. Worship God With Your Most Treasure Possession
Altar was the form of worship during Abraham's days. Abraham built altars and made sacrifices to the Lord. Altar requires effort- an act to erect something. We are saved by grace, and not by works. But the Bible also say that faith without works is dead. Real sacrifice takes faith. And worship do require effort. It takes effort to build a worshipful life! When God asked Abraham to offer Isaac at the altar; God didn't really want Isaac. What God really wanted was the place that Isaac had in Abraham's heart! Not only Abraham had to build the altar, he had to travel to the place which God had designated for him. To me, what the wise men did in offering their gold, frankincense, and myrrh was symbolic, and a replica, of Abraham's act. God doesn't literally want our treasured possession all the time. What God really wants all the time is the place - this thing or person, has in our heart.
A LEPER
When He Has come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Then Jesus put out His Hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing, be cleansed." Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. (Matthew 8:1-3)
You do realize that at this particular situation, great multitudes were following Jesus. And Jesus took attention to a single person who was a leper. As you know, lepers were the outcasts of society. It was much more during then - than it is now!
27. Jesus Takes Value In You... So Worship Him!
There is no lack of love with Jesus. Jesus takes value in all of us, even if you are an outcast of society.
28. Worship Him In Knowing His Lordship Over Your Life
This leper knew the Lordship of Jesus. There was an insight in him. He called Jesus, 'Lord.' He knew that there was no automatic healing. He pleaded. He didn't demand. Jesus was the Master. Not him. This reflects his understanding of the Lordship of Jesus. Worship is the posture of the heart and the attitude of the mind. Because of the leper's attitude, Jesus said, `I am willing,' and the leper was healed!
A RULER
While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, "My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live." So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples. (Matthew 9:18-19)
A ruler, a man of human authority, came and worshipped Jesus. And Jesus, a man of divine authority, responded to him. This ruler must have given Jesus the true worship - Who is worthy of it!
29. Worship Him No Matter Who You Are!
Whoever we are, we must have the same attitude of this ruler. No matter how high or how big our position among men, we are to worship Him.
THE DISCIPLES
So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on to the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God." (Matthew 14:29-33)
The disciples had a fantastic supernatural encounter with Jesus, experiencing for a fact that Jesus was truly the Son of God! Jesus Himself made his disciples to get onto to the boat to embark on that eventful journey. Have you ever been afraid? Are you beginning to sink already? Have you been crying-out, saying, "Lord, save me!" Jesus is merciful. He saves us even at such times when we are of little faith and doubted.
30. Special Worship Experience To Those Who Will Submit Temselves To His Leading
The experience of worshipping Him in such a manner like the disciples had, is bestowed only to those who submitted themselves to His leading. The disciples had followed Him by faith. Even if they had a few gaps in their journey of faith... those lapses when they doubted... they had left everything behind! In today's society, not many have been able to come to a state of total abandonment. There are too many things one can hold-on to. If we truly follow Jesus, He will lead us into this situation of worshipping Him as He truly is... the Son of God!
THE ELEVEN DISCIPLES
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:16-20)
Did the Lord Jesus know that some of His disciples doubted? Absolutely yes! If Matthew could make this observation, I am sure the resurrected Lord knew. AND YET, Jesus gave them the Great Commission. What an awesome responsibility! WHAT DID JESUS SEE? He saw the day ahead when the Holy Spirit will be poured-out as prophesied by Joel, and these disciples will be filled with the Holy Spirit. And the public will hear them speaking the wonderful works of God!
Cretans and Arabs - we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God." (Acts 2:11)
31. Worship... Being Filled With The Holy Spirit
There is a boldness that comes when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. We will begin to declare the works of God boldly. If we remain in the flesh, we will doubt God. If we are not filled, we are proned to doubt because the flesh will usually deny God.
THE WITNESSES
And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the scriptures. ... And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, (Luke 24:45... 52, read Luke 24:44-53)
We must worship according to the truth revealed in the Bible. We cannot worship any other Jesus. This is the reason why teaching on worship is so important. Having been filled with the Spirit, we worship as we are caught in the Spirit. And being taught in the truth of the Word means we worship in the truth. Truth ensures that there is no idolatry, nor heresy, nor occultism - which are so prevalent in the world today.
32. Worship According To Scriptural Truth
How can we really grow in our worship of God when we read so little of the Bible? By the help of the Holy Spirit, truths can be gleaned from the Bible.
BARNABAS AND SAUL (PAUL)
Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrach, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. (Acts 13:1-3)
Apart from fasting and prayer, worship is an important key for God to prepare us for His work that He has called us into. In the midst and atmosphere of worship, the Holy Spirit commissioned Barnabas and Saul (Paul).
33. Commissioned During Worship
The work of God is reserved for those who know how to worship. We can appoint ourselves, and men can appoint us - but the anointing for the work only comes when the Holy Spirit appoints us. In the atmosphere of true worship, we can be sure that it is the Holy Spirit who appoints.
A SINFUL WOMAN
Then one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And he went to the Pharisee's house, and sat down to eat. And behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at the table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of fragrant oil, (Luke 7:36-37)
1. Worship Involves Boldness
This was a bold move by the woman. Not only that she wasn't invited to the Pharisees house, she knew that the people knew that she was a prostitute (most likely).
When David took off his kingly robe and danced before God with his undergarments in the public, he was ridiculed by this own wife. When we worship God with all of our hearts, as David did, with an uninhibited, transparent expression, there is definitely a risk that people will ridicule the way we worship... whether said or unsaid... BUT LET'S WORSHIP GOD, ANYWAY!
2. Worship Costs Us Something
The fragrant oil, an alabaster flask of it, was very costly (most likely imported from Northern India).
The First Great Commandment is 'love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength' (Mark 12:30)
David said that he will not offer something to the Lord that costs him nothing (2 Samuel 24:24). When we worship God, we must give Him full attention even though we could have given him just 50%, with the balance of our mind calculating company profits or contemplating the next big project. He wants the full of us, of everything, 100%. Give God all your energy when you worship-- even though you could reserve some energy (or use that time) to work to make more money. Yes, worship costs us something.
3. Forsaking Our Sinful Life In Worship
The alabaster flask of fragrant oil was her means of doing 'business'. She was forsaking her sinful life in worship to Jesus. We ought to forsake our sinful life, even as we worship Jesus.
4. Real Worship Comes From Meekness, Humility And Brokenness
She stood at His feet behind Him weeping; and she began to wash His feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head; and she kissed His feet and anointed them with the fragrant oil. (Luke 7:38)
She stood at Jesus' feet behind Him weeping. It was customary for a woman to stand behind a man: a sign of meekness and submission.
5. Worship Involves Our Emotion
She was weeping so greatly that there was enough tears to wash Jesus' feet.
6. Embrace The Lifestyle Of Jesus In Worship
Jesus' feet signified His lifestyle
He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.( 1 John 2:6)
By washing, wiping and kissing Jesus' feet -- she was expressing and demonstrating that she was embracing the lifesyle of Jesus.
7. True Worship Anoints The Lord
She anointed Jesus' feet with the fragrant oil. There is a reason why the presence of the Lord comes so often when we worship. Before His anointing could flow and miracles happen, His presence comes first. True worship invites His presence because it anoints Him.
8. Worship Him In Gratefulness For All That He Has Done For Us
"There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing with which to repay, he freely forgave them both. Tell me, therefore, which of them will love him more?" Simon answered and said. "I suppose the one whom he forgave more." (Luke 7:41-43)
The root meaning of the word 'worship' in the original New Testament, which was in ancient Greek, meant `an adorer' implying 'to kiss, like a dog licking has master's hand' and `to fawn or crouch to.' It portrays a dog which is so happy that the Master has returned home that she began to lick her Master's hand. This dog expressed such gratefulness and love for her master. Do you see the resemblance here with the scenario of the sinful woman with Jesus (who is the Creator)? Can we appreciate it when we see what it took for Jesus to provide forgiveness for our sins? It was our sins that nailed Him to the cross. Is Jesus truly our Lord? We cannot say we have truly worshipped Him until He has become our Master. But it must not be done grudgingly, nor out of resentment. Do we adore our Lord? Instead of being negative towards our Master because we have no choice but to accept Him as our Master, let us adore our Lord. Because this is truly worship!
9. How We Worship The Lord Is How We Treat Him
Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. You gave Me no kiss, but his woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. You did not anoint my head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. (Luke 7:44-46)
A lot of people do not understand the significance when the Lord walks in their midst. How are we treating Him? Sad to say, some ignorant people do not know if the Lord walks in. What is worse, some could not care less to pay any attention!
10. Worship Is The Expression Of Our Love
Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little. (Luke 7:47)
Do you understand this woman's love for the Lord?
11. Worship Him In Faith
Then He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace." (Luke 7:50)
When we begin to worship the Lord, many times we do not feel anything at first. Due to work pressure or a circumstance in our life, some of us may not feel like worshiping Him in times like these. But we must worship Him in faith! We know the Word. Our faith acts first. The real divine spiritual feelings will come later. After which, we will feel the spiritual energy. And we are refreshed for the road ahead! The Lord wants to give us more than we give Him!
MARY, SISTER OF LAZARUS AND MARTHA
12. Best Worship Comes From A Consecrated Life
And being in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came having an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard. Then she broke the flask and poured in on His head (Mark 14:3)
Mary was a virgin. The oil of spikenard probably cost her life savings. She was reserving the perfumed oil for her marriage, to be used for her wedding night. By breaking the flask and pouring the oil on Jesus, she was saying that she was dedicating and consecrating her life to Jesus alone. We, like her, are the bride of Christ. The Lord is looking for such a dedication and consecration from us. Are we willing?
13. Worship Acknowledges Jesus As The Head Of Our Lives
She pours the oil on Jesus' head. Jesus is the head of the church. The head is suppose to be the thinking part of decision-making. Are we submitting our life decisions to the Lord -- before we come to worship him?
14. Our Worship May Invite Or Incite Criticism Of Others
But there were some who were indignant among themselves, and said, "Why was this fragrant oil wasted? For it might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii and given to the poor. " And they criticised her sharply. (Mark 14:4-6)
David's worship invited (or incited) criticism... from his wife. Mary's worship had the same type of effect. Why is there people who criticize whole-hearted worship of the Lord? God allowed it - to purify and test our worship of Him.
15. Be Extravagant In Our Worship To Him
But Jesus said, "Let her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for Me. (Mark 14:6)
The very fact that she was so extravagant in her worship of Jesus - that it invited the criticism of others (especially those who is influenced by religious spirits). But just as God loves a cheerful giver, He loves an extravagant worshipper!
16. Do All You Can To Worship Him
For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always. She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. (Mark 14:7-8)
Have you done all you can to worship Jesus? He will appreciate it!
17. The Ministry Of Worship Precedes The Ministry of Preaching The Gospel
Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her." (Mark 14:9)
Saving the lost is God's heartbeat. Yet, worship means our heart is saved for Him alone.
MARY MAGDALENE, JOANNA, SUSANNA, AND MANY OTHERS
Now it came to pass, afterward, that He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of thek ingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities -- Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance. (Luke 8:1-3)
18. Worship As You Follow Him
You cannot worship and be stationary. We need to obey Him wherever He may lead us, to be in His perfect will for our lives. There is a song that goes, "Shepherd of my soul, I give you full control... wherever He may lead, I will follow... "
19. Worship Him With Your Substance
Do you realize that your giving of material and finance can go right up to His throne?
This is Paul's insight: "Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaproditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God." (Philippians 4:18)
MARY, THE MOTHER OF JESUS
20. Worship Him In His True Identity, Position And Authority
"On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine."Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it." (John 2:1-5)
Looking at the way Jesus spoke to His mother, we see that Jesus was not speaking to her - as her son; but as the Son of God.
Mary knew her position. She was conscious of the fact that she was merely human -- who was a chosen virgin by God, to give birth to Jesus. It was only by the power given to her by God.
A teacher of the Word rightly stated that 'we tend to put God at our own human level, reducing Hm to only what our nature and character can accept, and not according to the truth.'
You only have to take a look at the Book of Revelation to know Jesus' true identity, position and authority -- and see all the worship accorded to Him!
MARY MAGDALENE AND THE OTHER MARY
Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. ... So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" So they came and held Him by the feet and worshipped Him. (Matthew 28:1... 8-9)
They were not expecting this encounter but their immediate responses were to worship the resurrected Jesus. It is apparent that their hearts were full of readiness -- in their attitude of worship. It was not a premeditative move, but a spontaneous act from what was already in their heart.
21. Always Be Ready to Worship Jesus... Anytime!
Be ready to worship the Lord always. The Lord may come to visit you anytime. His presence may come to you when you are driving somewhere. His presence may come to you while you are cooking. Most of all, be prepared to be resurrected in the rapture worshipping the Lord in the air!
LYDIA
And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the riverside, where prayer was customarily made; and we sat down and spoke to women who met there. Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshipped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. (Acts 16:13,14)
Out of all the women who were there for prayer, the Lord singled her out. What did the Lord see in this woman? The Lord has no favoritism. He could have opened the other women's heart... if He could reach into their hearts! The Lord reached into Lydia's heart because she had worshipped Him with her heart, while the rest did it just customarily.
22. Worship God With Your Heart
Are you just worshipping the Lord ritually or customarily... Sunday after Sunday? Are singing songs and lifting up hands a ritual to you? As a matter of fact, is going to church every Sunday a ritual to you? Some people come to church half-heartedly and worship God half-heartedly... all and all, they just want to attend services. This is the reason why the Lord could not open their heart to receive the message which was being preached soon after. It had all gone into head knowledge instead of heart knowledge!
Let's Discover Men Of Worship.
THE WISE MEN
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:10-11)
This is a wonderful story of how some men journeyed far away to worship Jesus. They were earnest seekers, looking for the God of heaven. Closing our eyes in prayer is the norm with us because of the much distraction... attraction... diversion. But I don't think it was such a case with them. Somebody prayed with their eyes opened... looking to the God of heaven... and saw a star. God gave them a revelation of this star... leading to the King of the Jews... Jesus! They were wise as it was written, but by Godly wisdom. But on the opposite side was Herod, full of carnal and evil wisdom. They met Herod and were unknowingly used.
TRUEST AND HIGHEST SATISFACTION IN WORSHIP... IS WHEN WE FINALLY MEET HIM FACE-TO-FACE
Then, they were supernaturally warned in a dream. Anyway, what did they see in this helpless infant born in a manger that they fell down and worshipped Him? The star had been their divine revelation.
23. Worship By Divine Revelation
Worship is supernatural, heavenly and spiritual. It is not just the physical singing, clapping hands, dancing to the rhythm, musical instruments playing away, and etc. Some became so attuned to the physical going-ons that they lost the real thing. We must consistently be imparted with divine revelation by the Holy Spirit in our worship.
But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship HIm must worship in spirit and truth. (John 4:23-24)
The star wasn't ordinary. It was a travelling star. Angels are known to have the ability to shine forth light; even though angels of darkness do pose as angels of light. This one is certainly not a fallen angel. God's angels were prominently featured in relative to the event of the birth of Jesus -- before, during and after. For example, we read angels appearing to certain shepherds... and the multitude of angels praised God. (Luke 2:8-15)
24. Helped By Angels To Worship
Let us be sensitive to the presence of angels. Let the choir leader, the musicians and the singing worshippers be helped by God's angels. For they know how to worship God! These men journeyed afar to have finally met Jesus: to worship. They had gone through wanderings to have finally arrived at the place where Jesus was.
25. Earnestly Seek Him To Worship
Sometimes we didn't press in enough, to earnestly seek Him... to arrive at a spiritual place where we will meet Him. We cannot worship just from afar. These wise men were not satisfied with worshipping Him from afar. Truest and highest satisfaction in worship is when we finally meet Him face-to-face. Have you ever felt the awesome presence of God at your face? You can arrive at this place of worship. Only seek Him with all your heart.
But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul. (Deuteronomy 4:29)
The way Jesus was worshipped by these men gives us a beautiful picture as to the manner Jesus is to be worshipped. Worship flows out of the essence of our heart - because we love Him. Fundamentally, to love is to give. For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16a). God gave us His most treasured possession. And these wise men gave Jesus their most treasured possessions: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And mind you, these items were not cheap at those times.
26. Worship God With Your Most Treasure Possession
Altar was the form of worship during Abraham's days. Abraham built altars and made sacrifices to the Lord. Altar requires effort- an act to erect something. We are saved by grace, and not by works. But the Bible also say that faith without works is dead. Real sacrifice takes faith. And worship do require effort. It takes effort to build a worshipful life! When God asked Abraham to offer Isaac at the altar; God didn't really want Isaac. What God really wanted was the place that Isaac had in Abraham's heart! Not only Abraham had to build the altar, he had to travel to the place which God had designated for him. To me, what the wise men did in offering their gold, frankincense, and myrrh was symbolic, and a replica, of Abraham's act. God doesn't literally want our treasured possession all the time. What God really wants all the time is the place - this thing or person, has in our heart.
A LEPER
When He Has come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, "Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean." Then Jesus put out His Hand and touched him, saying, "I am willing, be cleansed." Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. (Matthew 8:1-3)
You do realize that at this particular situation, great multitudes were following Jesus. And Jesus took attention to a single person who was a leper. As you know, lepers were the outcasts of society. It was much more during then - than it is now!
27. Jesus Takes Value In You... So Worship Him!
There is no lack of love with Jesus. Jesus takes value in all of us, even if you are an outcast of society.
28. Worship Him In Knowing His Lordship Over Your Life
This leper knew the Lordship of Jesus. There was an insight in him. He called Jesus, 'Lord.' He knew that there was no automatic healing. He pleaded. He didn't demand. Jesus was the Master. Not him. This reflects his understanding of the Lordship of Jesus. Worship is the posture of the heart and the attitude of the mind. Because of the leper's attitude, Jesus said, `I am willing,' and the leper was healed!
A RULER
While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, "My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live." So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples. (Matthew 9:18-19)
A ruler, a man of human authority, came and worshipped Jesus. And Jesus, a man of divine authority, responded to him. This ruler must have given Jesus the true worship - Who is worthy of it!
29. Worship Him No Matter Who You Are!
Whoever we are, we must have the same attitude of this ruler. No matter how high or how big our position among men, we are to worship Him.
THE DISCIPLES
So He said, "Come." And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on to the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, "Lord, save me!" And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, "Truly You are the Son of God." (Matthew 14:29-33)
The disciples had a fantastic supernatural encounter with Jesus, experiencing for a fact that Jesus was truly the Son of God! Jesus Himself made his disciples to get onto to the boat to embark on that eventful journey. Have you ever been afraid? Are you beginning to sink already? Have you been crying-out, saying, "Lord, save me!" Jesus is merciful. He saves us even at such times when we are of little faith and doubted.
30. Special Worship Experience To Those Who Will Submit Temselves To His Leading
The experience of worshipping Him in such a manner like the disciples had, is bestowed only to those who submitted themselves to His leading. The disciples had followed Him by faith. Even if they had a few gaps in their journey of faith... those lapses when they doubted... they had left everything behind! In today's society, not many have been able to come to a state of total abandonment. There are too many things one can hold-on to. If we truly follow Jesus, He will lead us into this situation of worshipping Him as He truly is... the Son of God!
AT A CERTAIN JUNCTURE... WE WILL COME TO A SENSE OF AWARENESS... NOT WHO IS WORSHIPPING BUT WHO WE ARE WORSHIPPING.
THE ELEVEN DISCIPLES
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:16-20)
Did the Lord Jesus know that some of His disciples doubted? Absolutely yes! If Matthew could make this observation, I am sure the resurrected Lord knew. AND YET, Jesus gave them the Great Commission. What an awesome responsibility! WHAT DID JESUS SEE? He saw the day ahead when the Holy Spirit will be poured-out as prophesied by Joel, and these disciples will be filled with the Holy Spirit. And the public will hear them speaking the wonderful works of God!
Cretans and Arabs - we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God." (Acts 2:11)
31. Worship... Being Filled With The Holy Spirit
There is a boldness that comes when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. We will begin to declare the works of God boldly. If we remain in the flesh, we will doubt God. If we are not filled, we are proned to doubt because the flesh will usually deny God.
THE WITNESSES
And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the scriptures. ... And they worshiped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, (Luke 24:45... 52, read Luke 24:44-53)
We must worship according to the truth revealed in the Bible. We cannot worship any other Jesus. This is the reason why teaching on worship is so important. Having been filled with the Spirit, we worship as we are caught in the Spirit. And being taught in the truth of the Word means we worship in the truth. Truth ensures that there is no idolatry, nor heresy, nor occultism - which are so prevalent in the world today.
32. Worship According To Scriptural Truth
How can we really grow in our worship of God when we read so little of the Bible? By the help of the Holy Spirit, truths can be gleaned from the Bible.
BARNABAS AND SAUL (PAUL)
Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrach, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. (Acts 13:1-3)
Apart from fasting and prayer, worship is an important key for God to prepare us for His work that He has called us into. In the midst and atmosphere of worship, the Holy Spirit commissioned Barnabas and Saul (Paul).
33. Commissioned During Worship
The work of God is reserved for those who know how to worship. We can appoint ourselves, and men can appoint us - but the anointing for the work only comes when the Holy Spirit appoints us. In the atmosphere of true worship, we can be sure that it is the Holy Spirit who appoints.