REVERENCE IN WORSHIP

In John 4:24, Jesus delivers a profound statement that carries deep theological implications for how we approach and understand worship. This verse comes within the context of Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. In their conversation, the woman asks about the correct place for worship—whether it should be in Jerusalem, as the Jews believe, or on the mountain where Samaritans worship. Jesus responds by shifting the focus from external practices and locations to the deeper, more essential nature of true worship.

In John 4:24, Jesus stated that we must worship God in spirit and in truth. This passage is very similar to what Joshua said in Joshua 24:14, “Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth…” A sure observation that can be made from these passages is that a certain attitude must accompany the worship we offer to God. In Matthew 6, we learn that good actions are worthless if not accompanied with proper attitudes. Charitable deeds, prayers, and fasting are all noble practices, but when accompanied with an improper attitude (to be seen of men), they are vain. In other words, God is not interested in empty ritualism. He desires that one’s attitude (one’s spirit) be engaged in the worship. Worship is more than simply a roll call of the redeemed, but should be an event when holy men and women humbly approach God with reverence and awe, and genuinely pay homage to Him as their Creator and Savior. Some of the most severe rebukes God ever directed toward His children involved worship that was offered without the spirit (See Malachi 1-3). I dare say that many Christians will arise early on Sunday, put forth a diligent effort to get the children out of bed and ready, drive to the church building, go to Bible class, sing songs, bow their heads in prayer, partake of the Lord’s Supper, and respectfully sit while the lesson is being presented, then depart for their homes having never accomplished what they intended to accomplish! In fact, instead of pleasing God, they have angered God by their routine actions devoid of spirit. Many of us know how easily worship can be offered without the proper spirit. Therefore, it would probably serve us well to make preparations for this event. After all, we’re not going to attend a trivial event as spectators, but rather we are entering the presence of Almighty God, not as spectators, but as participants.

According to John 4:24, we must also worship God according to truth. Jesus also tells us that God’s Word is truth (John 17:17). Consequently, if our worship is to be acceptable to God, we must worship Him according to the authoritative instructions of His Word. The acts of worship that we employ must be authorized by God if they are to be acceptable (Colossians 3:17). The standard of what we offer to God as worship is not regulated by our likes and dislikes; by our talents; or by our imagination, but by the revelation of God’s Will. In the same epistle in which God demands divine authority for all our beliefs and practices, He also condemns “will worship” (Colossians 2:22-23), or worship that one devises and prescribes from themselves.

John 4:24 is a foundational text for understanding the nature of true worship. Jesus calls us beyond external rituals and locations to worship God in a way that engages our spirit and is grounded in truth. As Christians, we are called to worship with sincerity and in accordance with the truth revealed in Scripture. In doing so, we honor the God Who is Spirit and Who desires to be worshiped. We must realize that there are a set of standards involved in true worship. True worship involves the proper attitude (in spirit) and the proper actions (in truth). When both of these matters are carefully observed “true worship” will result. As we worship God, let us do so with the utmost awe and reverence. Let us confine ourselves to those actions which God authorizes in His Word, and let us worship Him with passion. Our worship should never be a weariness (1 John 5:3), but a time of spiritual renewal (Hebrews 10:22-25).

Tobias Hatchett