Click here to listen to blog
From the throne a voice said, "If you worship and fear our God, give praise to him, no matter who you are." Then I heard what seemed to be a large crowd that sounded like a roaring flood and loud thunder all mixed together. They were saying, "Praise the Lord! Our Lord God All-Powerful now rules as king. So we will be glad and happy and give him praise. The wedding day of the Lamb is here, and his bride is ready. She will be given a wedding dress made of pure and shining linen. This linen stands for the good things God's people have done." Then the angel told me, "Put this in writing. God will bless everyone who is invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb." The angel also said, "These things that God has said are true." I knelt at the feet of the angel and began to worship him. But the angel said, "Don't do that! I am a servant, just like you and everyone else who tells about Jesus. Don't worship anyone but God. Everyone who tells about Jesus does it by the power of the Spirit."
(CEV: Revelation 19: 5 - 10)
Have you ever been tempted to "worship" the messenger instead of God who is the author of the message? In some cultures the role of a Pastor is highly honored and perhaps rightfully so, but there is a danger in honoring the messenger. I think there is a fine line between honoring someone and worshipping that same person. Certainly, it is appropriate to give honor to someone who is worthy of that honor, but it is never appropriate to let that honor evolve into worship! Worship is for God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit! When you worship, you present your whole body, soul, mind and spirit as a willing servant to the one you worship.
Honoring someone simply recognizes the laudable place they have in your life! But when you move from honoring a man into worshipping a human being it is a serious betrayal of Jesus. There is also the possibility of only honoring Jesus and the Father and not truly worshipping them!
Remember, if you worship a man, it is now time to repent because worship is only for God. And if you only honor Jesus Christ, it is time to move from honoring Him to worshipping Jesus as your Lord and Savior!
"Lord Jesus, keep me today from worshipping anyone except You, and show me how to move beyond simply honoring You into a place of worshipping You Jesus with all my heart. Praise Your Holy Name forever. Amen."
No comments:
Post a Comment