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Who’s Thanking Whom?
Lord should certainly be thankful for your regular participation in public worship? Today’s WORSHIP QUOTE challenges our habitual self-centeredness. The author is John Frame. WHO’S THANKING WHOM? It often surprises people to learn that God is not always pleased when people worship him. We might be inclined to think that God should be thankful for any attention we give him out of our busy schedules. But worship is not about God’s thanking us; it is about our thanking him. And God is not pleased with just anything we choose to do in his presence. The mighty Lord of heaven and earth demands that our worship—indeed, all of life—be governed by his word. —John M. Frame, WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH: A REFRESHING STUDY OF THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF BIBLICAL WORSHIP, Phillipsburg, New Jersey: R&R; Publishing Company, 1996, p. 37. ISBN 0-87552-242-4 [Can you think of Scriptures that support this contention that all worship is not pleasing to God? We can start by looking at Cain’s offering (Gen. 4:5); then go to Isaiah 1:11-18 ("I will not listen to your prayers"); and even Jesus’ powerful words in Luke 18:9-14. There are many, many more.] Have a great week! Chip Stam Director, Institute for Christian Worship School of Church Music and Worship Southern Baptist Theological Seminary Louisville, Kentucky www.carlstam.org www.sbts.edu |