Worship and Relationship

Have you ever received a compliment from a total stranger?  Maybe someone at the store complimented your shirt or a store employee commented on how cute your kids are.  That is nice.  Most people like it when others take time to express appreciation.

Now, compare that to compliments from a close family member, a spouse, or a dear friend.  Maybe a sibling described qualities they admire in you; qualities they have noticed over years of relationship.  Maybe a friend toasted an achievement, pointing out all the time, energy, and talent that went into the accomplishment.

Which compliment meant more?  My guess is that the compliment from the person that you’ve had longer and deeper relationship with you meant more.  They knew the particularities of your life to such a degree they could get specific in their praise.  The relationship behind the compliment made the compliment more meaningful.

           

Our worship of God works in a similar way.  We are able to compliment and praise God in more meaningful ways when we have relationship with Him.  That is a big reason why Jesus encourages us to get to know Him.  It prepares us to worship Him, His Father, and the Holy Spirit to the very fullest.

The Gospel of Matthew describes Jesus’ disciples living in close relationship with the Lord.  They walked and talked and lived with him.  One time, they witnessed him calm a raging storm.  Matthew describes their response in saying, “Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’"  Relationship with Jesus led to worship of Jesus.

As you go through the coming week, invest in your relationship with Jesus.  Talk with Jesus.  Study Jesus.  Think about Jesus.  As you do, you will be better equipped to recognize Him and His work in the world.  That relationship will help you grow in worship of the Lord.