“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.” (Luke 18:13-14, NIV)
A lot of innovations have added to the range of what we might call golf. SNAG is a big hit with younger beginners. Larger holes have been cut as an experiment in increasing success and decreasing frustration. Even Jack Nicklaus talks of six-hole courses to attract people who can’t make big time commitments into the game.
It would be great if the same trend could be said of worship.
When it comes to worship, we seem to be narrowing the definition. In many churches these days, worship equals music. Google “worship” images and nearly every one shows someone with hands raised, as if that is the one expression of worship.
But if worship is what we do in spirit and in truth, then I’m a big fan of the tax collector.
This man in Jesus’ parable demonstrates the great evidences of true worship:
– He worships the One True God, crying out to the Father for mercy.- He is honest about his own lack of merit, coming to God in truth.
– He present not just his words but his passionate heart—an accurate description of “spirit.”
You see, every time I put my worth aside and come to God because he is above all, I am worshiping the Lord.
In an earthly kingdom, when a group of subjects asks for audience with the king, it may be to beg for his help. Their words go something like this: “Your Majesty, We are faced with dire trouble in our corner of the kingdom. We come here because we cannot handle this problem ourselves. You alone have the power to do the job. Won’t you please help us?” This is true worship, ascribing to the king the very power that he possesses.
And we do the same when we come to the Lord humble and honoring. When we say to him, “We cannot, but you most certainly can.”
How wide is your worship? Make it as wide as your every word and deed, lived in honor of the highest King.
—
Jeff Hopper
April 19, 2012
Copyright © 2012 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday through Friday at www.linksplayers.com.