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Worship and Our Concept of God
Graham Kendrick. WORSHIP AND OUR CONCEPT OF GOD Our approach to God is conditioned by our concept of him, whether accurate or distorted. If we suspect that he is too busy with more important matters, as if we think there is a great queue in front of us, we won't want to bother him. If we see him as a tyrant, watching sternly for any false moves, ready with a big stick to wallop us, we will come very warily! If, on the other had, we see him as a soft and indulgent "super-daddy," we may come presumptuously, blundering carelessly onto holy ground. If, however, we know him by the revelation of the Holy Spirit and in our daily experience of him as a personal loving heavenly Father, and are acquainted with both his gentleness and his awesome holiness, we will run to him as children with open arms and yet deepest respect. The most important Person who ever existed loves you and me! The creator of the universe has revealed himself as having the tender heart of loving father, and has by his Spirit made us his true-born children. He knows your name, he knows my name, he laughs and weeps with us! In him we have discovered that we are valued infinitely far above our worth. How can we keep quiet about such a God? - Graham Kendrick, from WORSHIP, Chapter 6, "Wired for Worship (1) Worshipping the Father," Kingsway Publications, 1984, p.78. [Lord God, show us more of yourself. Let us see your holiness and your tenderness; let us know your power and mercy. Accept our worship not because of our faithfulness (for we fail so often), but because of the faithfulness of your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen!] Have a great week, Chip Stam Pastor of Worship and Music Chapel Hill Bible Church Chapel Hill, North Carolina |