23-24 “It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration.”
Our small group is studying a book called worship based prayer. Its talking about seeking the face of God in prayer--getting away from prayer lists but truly trying to recognize truths about God's greatness. I have to admit I've been challenged to understand what the book means about seeking the face of God today's chapter is touching on it for me though I'm still not all the way there.
Do I worship God with my very being my full spirit? I don't think I do, I feel more calculated and thoughtful not truly just letting my inner feelings flow. But I think I have had moments when I have done as this chapter suggests and those moments have been emotional and impactful. The noise and thoughts of daily life are absent in those moments. I think this kind of worship and connection is what God wants from me and I want it too. not just on an occasional Sunday morning either.
knut
This story is rich in imagery and meaning. First of all, we know this woman was a social outcast because she was at the well at noon. The water for the day was usually drawn first thing in the morning when it wasn't so hot. And Jesus sees this woman and knows exactly who she is and the things she is known for. His only concern is to offer her salvation or living water. He gives her love. He doesn't condemn her, but reminds her of the wrong she is doing. To me that is true love. Offering the thruth of where you are and what you are doing wrong, and then the grace to overcome it.
ReplyDeleteI heard a quote last week that I really like.
"I am not worthy of God and his love, but Jesus came so I wouldn't have to be."
I love that.