Alabaster

My, Devotion to Him #186

What is worship and why do we worship?

Simply stated worship is declaring the worth of God. The word worship comes from the old English word that means “worship.” With that definition in mind, we don’t worship God for what we get out of it, but to give God the honor that is due to Him; recognizing His worth, His value, His place in our church and His claim on our lives.

In Luke 7:36-50 we learn about the woman and the alabaster box. Particularly v. 37: And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He (Jesus) was reclining at the table, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. 

The people around Him were talking about what sort of woman she is that is touching Him. A little further down we see how Jesus responds. In v.44: “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss; but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she anointed my feet with perfume. For this reason I say to you, her sins, which are many have been forgiven.”

In that box was all she had of worth and she willing poured it out on Jesus! We go through life pouring all things in our life into our own treasure box, our alabaster box. We put what we consider our worth, whether it be our job, our status, our house, bank account, the material things we’ve acquired. But, when we encounter Jesus on a personal, intimate way and our lives turn upside down because things that bound us our breaking away, He’s healing wounded hearts, broken bodies, broken relationships and best of all, forgiving our sins. Then, just like the woman, we too open up our box and pour out everything; giving Jesus full reign over all that we have. But, the most treasured thing we can give out of our box is our heart and praise. 

Worship occurs when we encounter Him, who loves us and desires a relationship with us. Worship doesn’t lead to an encounter with Him; it is an encounter with Him. 

Listen, our worship should hunger for God. God, desires  a relationship with us! We can’t experience God’s grace without experiencing His presence. We can have an understanding that He died for our sins yet never have an intimate relationship with Him. We can know facts, figures, dates and times, have head knowledge and still not really know the one who loved you first.

If you truly meet God, you will worship; and if you truly worship you will encounter God. By fully embracing worship, pouring out your praise to Him, others will be drawn to God. Because of your love and devotions to Him that is evident in your praise, you are a witness for Christ. 

When we worship God, whether on our own or in church, we come with an agenda, to meet God. As important as that is, we need to remember God has an agenda as well, to meet with us. 

What does God have to do to get you to a place to freely worship Him? To completely let loose, worship uninhibited, no self-consciousness or mental restraint. The fact that we’re forgiven, a debt we could never pay, but deserve should be enough.

Doing His Work,

Copyright © 2019 by Shannon Olinger

Published by SpiritWarriorMinistry.com as in agreement agreed upon between SpiritWarriorMinistry.com and author Shannon Olinger