The World's Empty Promisesနမူနာ

Right Worship

In Hebrews 12:26-28, God says, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.” Everything will be shaken except God’s kingdom.  So, let us link ourself with the real, the unshakable, and the everlasting!

We will always worship what we believe to be most valuable, and we can’t just stop worshiping something that is valuable to us. Our hearts must be changed to recognize the infinite value of Jesus Christ, and then nothing can stop us from pursuing Him. When we want something with all our hearts, we won’t let anything stand in our way. Jesus said in Matthew 13:44-46, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

How valuable is Jesus Christ to us? Living in the presence of the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6) is glorious.  Following any false god, whether it is money, fame, creation worship, some other person or some other philosophy, or whatever it is – will always lead to heartache, loss, eternal loneliness and pain.

We must detach ourselves from the worldly things we pursue, and we must attach ourselves to the real God who is the only source of real Life, and real Joy, and real Peace, and eternal Life beyond our wildest dreams.  As Paul said in 1 Timothy 1:17 “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Worshipping Him continually reminds us that:

It is about Him, not us.

It is about His power, not ours.

It is about His purposes, not ours.

It is about His glory, not ours.

What is our Purpose? “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)

Reflection: What takes up most of your time and energy?  What is it that makes you feel the most valuable?