Growing up in Sunday School I remember singing the fun little chorus, "Pharaoh, Pharaoh, Whoa baby let My people go". The emphasis was always placed on the Israelites finding freedom from the oppression they were under in Egypt. But there's a reason God wanted His people to leave. This wasn't just about release, but reverence. The command for liberation was followed by the call for adoration. Freedom wasn't the ultimate purpose, but providing a place where His people could worship Him fully without restraint was the plan.
As Christ-followers we have been set free from our "Egypts" and with that deliverance comes a directive. We are both "freed from" and "freed for". The majority of us are blessed to live in countries where we can worship the Lord wholeheartedly, not hindered in any way. We are to live as worshippers of God.
What is "worship"? John Piper says it has two aspects: an inner essence and an external expression. True worship begins in the heart and values God above all things. It is delighting in Him and being satisfied with Him. These responses reflect His infinite beauty and worth, resulting in expressions of praise.
It was no coincidence that earlier this morning I read a devotional entitled, "Extravagant Worship". It highlighted the account in Luke 7 where a woman poured an expensive bottle of perfume over Jesus' feet. Not stopping there, she bent down and washed His feet with her hair. Those watching such lavish love questioned. To them this was wasteful. To Christ this is worship.
Our worship may appear foolish to those who haven't received the abundant, unconditional, sacrificial love of Christ. In fact, even among the family of the forgiven there will be a variety of demonstrations in the way we personally and individually glorify God. True worship is unrestrained. It is found in voices raised in praise, hands lifted in devotion, bended knee, wordless wonder, falling tears. We worship in confession, forgiveness, obedience, surrender, thanksgiving and extending cups of cold water in His name.
Authentic worship is centered on who God is and directed to Him alone. It is not confined to a church building but can fill the halls of schools, office buildings, parks, shopping malls and hospital rooms. It is an overflow of God's presence before us, in us, around us, filling us. Our genuine displays of worship declare His glory and direct others to see Him too.
It has been said that wonder is the raw material of worship. "Let the whole world fear the LORD, and let everyone stand in awe of Him." (Psalm 33:8) Today and every day may my heart be filled with wonder that overflows in worship.
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