Worship Resource Center Thought of the Day

WRC Thought of the Day

Thought for Nov 13, 1997 : Worship God!

While many times we take for granted that we are worshiping God, even our most devoted efforts sometimes fall from worshiping God directly to idolatry. It seems almost impossible, but even John (to whom was attributed the closest earthly relationship with Jesus) fell into this during the revelation given him.Quoting from Revelation chapter 19, we read this :

Then the angel said to me, "Write: `Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!'" And he added, "These are the true words of God." At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." Revelation 19:9-10

What is even more remarkable is that John just can't seem to keep this straight. He, again, falls down and worships the angel, and is again rebuked. We might think this strange, but it illustrates the power with which the message of God can effect our mortal minds. Here is the second passage where John falls down to worship the angel.

I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!" Revelation 22:8-9

As worshipers we need to be careful to be continually refocusing our affections on Christ. God may chose to use those around us (or even angelic visitors, in John's case!) to bring a message from him. While the message may bring great revelation to us, we must not be enamored by it. Rather, we must be empassioned for Jesus all the more. As the angel says: "Worship God!".