THE FATHER DESIRES OUR WORSHIP
“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.”” (Jesus)
John 4:23-24
I was praying the other day when the Lord impressed on me the need to worship him!
In John chapter 4, Jesus meets the woman from Samaria. The words above are from that conversation!
IN JESUS!
Something NEW has taken place in Jesus!
God has now provided for himself a place from where he may be worshipped in spirit and in truth. It is neither from Mt. Gerizim (so the Samaritans) , nor from Jerusalem (so the Jews), but from within each one of us – from the heart which knows the grace of God that is in Jesus Christ!
Our own righteousness is like filthy rags (Isaiah 64,6), but thank God he has cleansed us and enabled us to offer up worship, thanksgiving and praise from a thankful, worshipping heart – acceptable to the Father!😀
THE FATHER DESIRES OUR FELLOWSHIP
Relationships matter to God – covenant relationships matter to him (see e.g. Psalm 50,15-16)!
Supremely, family matters to him!
I think we can view the Father – Son relationship before all worlds were made (see John 1,1), together with the Holy Spirit – these three in one – as the archetype of all relationship and family (on earth). In this ‘divine family’ if such a phrase may be permitted, you and I belong. See also Eph. 3,14-15.
Think also of John 14.2:
In my Father’s house are many rooms…. House, rooms; these words speak of relationship, intimacy, continuity, love – and family!
Our Lord wants us to easily find our way into his presence to fellowship with him.
And he really has made it possible for us to be confident when we come!
It pleases him when we overcome our feelings of sinfulness and inadequacy by the blood Jesus shed on the cross, so that we may be bold before his throne!
I am not talking about an improper familiarity with Almighty God!
When we approach him we are on holy ground. We come with reverence and godly fear, yet knowing that he loves us – we were dearly bought!
Be encouraged! He is more than able to meet with us in whatever state we are in – if we come with an honest heart – in Jesus’ name! Be serious with God, and he will be serious with you!😊
And DO NOT let the accuser (Rev. 12,11) keep you from fellowshipping with the Lord!
Remember what Jesus said of him (the devil; Satan): “He was a murderer from the beginning – a liar and the father of lies!” (John 8,44)
WHY WE NEED FELLOWSHIP WITH THE FATHER
God has given us free access to his throne (Eph. 2,18). We need to strengthen our ties to heaven, by using it! He has given us the right to be confident! (Heb. 4,16). We are beloved!
Remember, no relationship can develop unless it is prioritised.
And Hebrews 4,16 says “we need grace, mercy and help in time of need!”
If those are not three good reasons!
FULL CIRCLE
And, to finish where I started:
The Father desires our worship!
It is the only right response to his glory and holiness; and to his love, mercy and grace!
We who believe are all priests to the Most High (Rev. 1,6) – we serve him in this way!😊
And I am not talking about what we do in church – I am talking about what we do in our personal lives of prayer!
BE BLESSED!😊
