Worshiping the Preacher

Henry Ward Beecher, a famous preacher, once had to be absent and his brother was invited to speak for him. The church house was crowded, but when it became evident the eloquent Henry Beecher was not going to appear, many started to leave. Beecher's brother was not disturbed. He stood up before the murmuring crowd, called for silence and said, "All who came this morning to worship Henry W. Beecher may now leave. The rest will remain and worship God."

What are we doing in our assemblies? Some, like the Athenians, come only to hear the preacher say "something" (Act_17:20-21). "Is it relevant?" "Is it positive?" Are mental guidelines used in judging sermons? Some attend to judge the singing, the prayers, or the friendliness of the congregation. These go away with a host of criticisms, perhaps, or even pride, but worship has been forgotten.

Why do we gather for worship? Some come to "get it over with for a week"; to get their tickets validated once more. But those who come because they need strength in carrying their crosses know the value of true worship.

Worship has nothing to do with the song leader or the talent of the preacher. It has to do with you and your God. Let people do what they will to please themselves. "The rest will remain and worship God."

Joh 4:23 But the time is coming--it has, in fact, come--when what you're called will not

matter and where you go to worship will not matter. "It's who you are and the way you

live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth.

That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly

themselves before him in their worship. 24 God is sheer being itself--Spirit. Those who

worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in

adoration."

It`s not about who you are or about the place, it`s about whom.

Whom do we worship, why do some even bother to go to church. Do we go for the band, which plays incredibly well, is it to hear the frontline singers, the evening show with all the lights and bells, or is it really, to sit in a sanctuary, with hearts opened and ready to receive, an excitement to worship the King of Kings.

I often test myself after a service, what does my heart say to me about the message, the praise and worship. I think the most important question to ask oneself is this: “did I participate in the service from the heart, or did I just go because of duty?”

Maybe it boils down to having a personal relationship with God. Do I really believe in my heart that God is, through Jesus Christ, MY Father.

When I answer `yes`, then I can be my true self in His presence, no play-acting in my worship. Truly worship.

After all, He desires us to be His “sons and daughters”.

Let’s praise His name today, really praise Him, in spirit and in truth.