Worship

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Just before the judge walks into his courtroom, the bailiff instructs all of those in the courtroom to “Please stand.” When I officiate a wedding, I instruct the congregation to “Please stand” when the bride begins her walk down the aisle. When I conduct a funeral, I instruct the congregation to “Please stand” when the family of the deceased arrives.

The only time I’ve ever had anyone stand when I walked into a room was in Poland. I was there on a good will trip representing my local school board. When the principal and I walked into a classroom, all of the students stood and remained standing until the teacher told them to be seated. It was quite a feeling for me. Never had that happen before.

People stand out of respect.

So what would happen if Jesus walked into our church service today? We wouldn’t stand. We would all kneel without being prompted.

Why?

It is the same reason that when Jesus appeared after his resurrection, those who saw Him fell to their knees. “They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him” (Matthew 28:9-10). After the disciples witnessed Jesus walking on the water, “Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God" (Matthew 14:33).

Worship is our response to the majesty and glory of the Lord God revealed in Jesus Christ. Worship is expressed in several ways. It is expressed in our posture. Kneeling, bowed heads, standing, heads raised with eyes toward heaven, outstretched arms extending toward heaven. All are expressions of worship.

We worship as individuals, families, groups, and together as church.

It is expressed in our words. Glory! Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!

Worship is expressed in our singing. Or, it can be expressed in simple quiet.

Our worship of the Almighty, Eternal, All Powerful triune God-Father, Son, and Holy Ghost recognizes His superior position and our inferior position.

In worship, we grow in the faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ. John the Baptist said, “He (Jesus) must increase; I must decrease. He must become greater; I must become less (John 3:30).

As I empty myself of my wants, desires, goals, and attachment to things and in turn, worship the Lord, my interests become his interests. My wants become His wants. My goals become His goals. My attachment to things becomes my attachment to Him in a love relationship. I grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ through worship.

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