Friday, September 14, 2007 ·

"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.
God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."
| John 4:23-24 |

This scripture has been hitting me over and over in ways that I've never seen before. I've heard this verse quoted so often and so pointlessly that it seems that we've lost the impact of it. The Greek word translated as 'worship' in this verse is
'proskuneo'. And it means to prostrate, or to revere, or to adore. This brings to mind the scene of Mary at the feet of Jesus, anointing them with perfume. This is adoration, this is worship.

Who are those who worship him?
I am.

The simplicity of the verse hit me during prayer school today. God is spirit and I MUST worship Him. Not an obligation... but a yearning. Not because its a requirement, but because I love to. I just have to worship Him simply because God is. Israel Houghton put is best when he said, "Birds fly... fishes swim... I worship..."

Its a given that true worshippers must worship and spirit and in truth. So the way I see the verse is "God is... (amazing, awesome, fantastic) And I just have to worship..."

Another verse that hit me, also on the area of worship is Romans 4:20.
"No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God"

'Glory' is translated 'doxa'
A Greek lexicon defines it as dignity, glory(-ious), honour, praise, worship.

This was referring to Abraham and the promise that he would be "Father of Many Nations". Worship is what helped him. As we glorify God, it helps us magnify Him. Our worship strengthens our faith. It strengthens our belief in the promises of God and causes us to be stable.

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