Worship

Worship is an unusual word.  It is probably only used nowadays in religious settings, but even religious people may be confused about what worship is.  We can describe what takes place in worship from our end (singing, praying, communion, etc.).  We may use terms like praise and devotion to describe worship, but it is still difficult to explain worship to someone who does not know anything about it.

Worship is derived from two old English words (worth and ship) and it means to recognize the worth of something and honor it.  In Revelation 4 we are given a glimpse of a worship scene in heaven.  John records that the 24 elders fell down before the throne of God and cried out “You are worthy!” (vs. 11)

We assemble together every first day of the week to worship God because He is worthy.  We should be reminded of the purpose of worship each day we are on this earth.  Each time we see a sunrise or a sunset we are reminded that God is worthy.  When we notice the magnificence of nature, or the beauty of the heavens we know God is worthy.  When we contemplate how blessed we are to have the spouse and children we have, every ounce of our being cries “God is worthy!”  He is responsible for all these things and he holds the whole world in His hands.  When a person understands all this there will be no need to explain worship, because it will happen naturally.

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” (Rev. 4:11)

About these ads