The Highwayনমুনা

Going Nowhere Fast - Works or the Way?

There is a popular misconception that certain songs can move God to action or deepen His love for us. Some even believe that intense or rigorous efforts of worship can get us to connect with God faster. However, these endeavours prove elusive like a mirage, offering no real link or connection to God's Highway where His goodness and grace abound.

"Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." - John 14:6 NIV

Some people see the Old Testament practices as worship references. However, most of these practices were prophetic, pointing to a revelation of God's salvation through Christ rather than a requirement for worship today.

• David's Psalms often foretold salvation. While living in a dispensation where yearly offerings marked a record of sins, David prophesied of God's forgiveness with no account of sins held against man. "If you kept track of sins, Lord- my Lord, who would stand a chance?" - Psalms 130:3 CEB
• The offerings of animals were a foreshadow pointing to Christ's redemptive work, not a way to appease or trigger God to intervene. "Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased.Then (Christ) said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll— I have come to do your will, my God.’ - Hebrews 10:5-7 NIV

Infact, in Jesus’ earthly life, he had not done any miracles or any acts of ministry yet before the Holy Spirit descended and declared him as God's beloved one! Matthew 3: 13-17

Just as God's seal of approval on Jesus was not earned but based on their Father-Son relationship, so is God's approval and relationship with you not based on morality or good works. It is founded on Christ's redemptive work that gave us access into the Family of God.

True worship goes beyond an emotional catharsis, personal efforts or grand performances. Praising someone we don't know or have a relationship with is mere flattery. When we get to know God as our Father, our praises to Him become accurate and our worship effective. We come to know God through Christ, who bridged the divide between man and God, revealing the way to Him.

God’s move to save man was sending Jesus. You do not need to perform to get God to move for you. All you will ever need from God has been provided to you in Christ.