Worship...possibly one of the most abused and misunderstood words in Christianity. Often, it seems to me that we have boiled it down to a great song at church or on the radio that makes us feel good.
We've used it as a label for the song time during church. "They have great worship," we say without really understanding what in the world we're talking about.
As we seek to live in the shadow of the cross, we look to the lives of those who first lived in the shadow, 1st century Christians.
In the book of Romans, chapter 12, the Apostle Paul writes a famous passage about worship. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship." (Romans 12:1, NIV) Paul uses this word, λατρεία, translated as worship. People smarter than me tell me that this word is defined as: ministration of God, divine service, or ascribing worth to something or someone.
I had a preaching professor, Dr. Pete Verkruyse, who drilled it into our heads to ask "What's the therefore there for?" Sure, it's poor grammar, but it has stayed with me. So, I looked back at chapter 11 of Romans to find it served as a reminder of God's goodness and faithfulness to the Jewish people and now to the Gentiles. After reviewing all of this, Paul closes the chapter with:
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:33-36, NIV)
"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship." (Romans 12:1, NIV)Paul says, in light of all this, looking back over God's faithfulness to rescue His people, to call us out of slavery and sin into light, hope, and restoration, in view of God's mercy upon you, live your life...all of your life...ascribing worth to God.
In the shadow of the cross our lives are no longer for our own purposes. In the shadow of the cross our lives...all aspects...should be arrows pointing to Heaven, to our creator, maker, and Savior.
This is λατρεία.
becoming rooted,
Rodney
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