The Cross of Christ means Life

Matthew 14:25-33 Worship The Son Of God

Worship. A simple word, isn't it? So common in our present-day church. Volumes have been written about it. The Scriptures are replete with instances of worship to God. Worship is both the duty and the privilege of God's people. The problem is that we still don't know much about "worshipping".

These men had come face to face with God, and in a way they could not explain away. "Who is this whom even the winds and waves obey?" they had asked on another occasion. This time they said; "Truly you are the Son of God!" It is not possible to worship an equal. Only as we meet GOD can we experience worship.

But what does it mean? In this place the Greek word in the text is "proskuneo". It is Strong's number 4352, proskuneo meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand. It is translated "worship" 60 out of 60 times in the KJV.

That doesn't seem very flattering does it, to "kiss like a dog licking his master's hand?" Perhaps that is another reason why we have trouble, in our Western society, with "giving ourselves" to Jesus in worship. We have "our pride", our sense of propriety. What will others think? We sometimes ridicule as "holy rollers" or "fanatics" those who abandon themselves to loving God in ways that include any emotional expression or outward evidence of excitement.

I believe the lesson in this text is one of "excitement". Picture the reaction of a dog when his master comes home after a day away. Dogs, especially young ones, are excited often wagging their tails so hard you think they will break in two. They jump and, given any chance at all, will lick your hands and your face in expression of their dedication - their worship. This is an aspect of worship we should experience - excitement at being in the presence of a holy God.

In this season of Lent, as we consider the price Jesus paid to redeem us from eternal separation from God, let's get excited. Let us begin to forget about others and what they think. Listen to worship music during the day and join in. Worship the Lord of Lords and King of Kings with your whole being, including your emotion. Get excited!

Like Peter, let us plead with the Lord to bid us to come out onto the waters ... in our case, the waters of worship. Waters over our heads, beyond our control and experience but waters where He walks as the Almighty One.

"Lord Jesus, grant that we might turn from that which is "good" to that which is "genuine and best". Grant that our worship not be a formality but come from the experience of Your salvation and love working in us."

Amen - let it be so.
Shalom

Bob Goldsby

Posted: February 18, 1997