When all is said and done, when the last period has been placed at the end of history, all people will be confronted with the question, “Did you worship God”? (Revelation 22:9) Be ready (Revelation 22:7) because that time is coming! (Revelation 22:7, 12, 20)
As a timely illustration, the final chapter of the Bible records how easy it is for mankind to set up idols. John was given a wonderful experience. He saw what was to come and, in chapter 22 of The Revelation, an angel was sent to show him things that were mind- boggling. One would think that he would recognize an angel as a fellow servant of God. John was a good Jew and all Jews know from the law, that only God is to be worshiped (Exodus 20:1-6) but he almost worshiped something other than God.
“I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. But he said to me, ‘Do not do that. I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who heed the words of this book. Worship God.’ ” (Revelation 22:8, 9)
It’s interesting to note that the angel would not accept worship. Unlike the angels who followed Lucifer in rebellion against God, this angel said, “Worship God”. He is one that understood that only God is to be worshiped. (Matthew 4:10)
The word that both the angel and John used is “proskyneo”, meaning “to reverence by kneeling”. Worship is reserved for the only one that is deserving of it and that is God the Creator of all that is. Added to that, mankind was made for intimate relationship with his Creator and nothing was ever to disturb that.
Good things, or even people, can sometimes be idolized. When that happens, God fades from view. Songs, sermons, and teaching have been used by God to bring healing and encouragement but, as wonderful as they are, they should not be worshiped. They are only the agents of God’s love and blessing. He is the one who brings the healing and encouragement through these varied means. When touched by absolutely anything, our first inclination should be to recognize that it is God that is at work, and he is the one to worship.
It was this same John that wrote in his gospel of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman. Jesus said, “an hour is coming and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.” (John 4:23)
God is looking for those who are not distracted by things or people, no matter how good they are. He is deserving of the complete devotion of each and every heart.
In his sermon, Stephen reminded the high priest of the sin of idolatry that the children of Israel committed. “At that time, they made a calf and brought a sacrifice to the idol, and were rejoicing in the works of their hands.” (Acts 7:41) Sadly the same has continued through history.
The apostle Paul wrote, “since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20) Unfortunately Paul also had to say that some have, “exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and serve the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever”. (Romans 1:25)
God is love. God is good. God is our help, our shelter, our hope, our joy, our protector, our peace, our guide and our comfort. God forgives. God understands. God is present. God is able. God is the righteous judge, the great saviour and so much, much more. He alone is to be worshiped. We appreciate your Comments
