Jesus’ words in John 4 in His discussion with the “woman at the well” reveal something about God’s expectation for worship that never seem to make it into the discussion of today’s worship debates. At least, not often enough.
“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. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” -John 4:23-24
We discuss volume, style, target, stage presence, lighting and so much more. Don’t get me wrong, I think we should discuss all these things and more, but we have to begin and end with “in the Spirit and in truth.”
Here’s another way this came home to me. In the words of Charles Swindoll, when discussing this text, he says, “Jesus took the time to teach her that worship is not connected to a place but to a Person.”
Here’s another way I thought about this...
Worship can’t be about lighting more than the LIGHT OF THE WORLD.
Worship can’t be about my agenda, unless my only agenda is complete surrender to Jesus' agenda.
Worship isn’t about a STYLE...it’s about a SAVIOR.
Hallelujah! Sing to God a brand-new song, praise him in the company of all who love him. 2 Let all Israel celebrate their Sovereign Creator, Zion's children exult in their King. 3 Let them praise his name in dance; strike up the band and make great music! 4 And why? Because God delights in his people, festoons plain folk with salvation garlands!
5 Let true lovers break out in praise, sing out from wherever they're sitting, 6 Shout the high praises of God, brandish their swords in the wild sword-dance - 7 A portent of vengeance on the God-defying nations, a signal that punishment's coming, 8 Their kings chained and hauled off to jail, their leaders behind bars for good, 9 The judgment on them carried out to the letter-and all who love God in the seat of honor! Hallelujah! -Psalm 150 (The Message)