In spirit and in truth

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.” John 4:23-26

What a declaration coming from our Lord Jesus Christ; the One Who has everything, the center of creation, and the Omnipotent God is seeking something from those among whom that profess faith in Him. What could He be seeking? The text declared that He is seeking a worshipful response to His sacrificial love. In this declaration, place, activities, and physical motions are not what matter to God when we come to worship. What matters to Him is the spirit and attitude of our heart. What is important to God is the recognition of His sovereignty over our lives. He wants a worship based on biblical truths. True worship is based on the truth of how God revealed Himself to us. What we think about God is very important when we offer our worship. True worship is recognizing that God reached down to us giving Himself loving us by dying on the cross. Religion is us reaching up to God. In worship, we express our gratefulness for the forgiveness and new life He gave us. When Jesus healed the ten lepers and only one bothered to return to acknowledge what He has done for them He asked where are the nine (see Luke 17). Notice the somewhat disappointment from the way Jesus asked the one that returned. “Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine?” (Luke 17:17). It is apparent that Jesus took note of the gratefulness of the one that returned and the lack of appreciation from the nine seemingly taking for granted God’s blessings. Even if it is baffling to think that Jesus seeks those that will offer Him true worship, the truth is He really does. Jesus desires that those who claim they have placed their faith in Him should worship Him in spirit and in truth. God is seeking worship from those who are not taking for granted knowing Him as Lord. Therefore, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33).

Blessings,

Noel De Guzman

www.my-wbc.com