Making a big deal out of God

True worship means that you can enter into the presence of God by faith anywhere, and there you can praise and adore Him openly. Jesus announced to the woman that from now on worship of the Father would be unrestricted, honest, heartfelt, real, unpretentious and genuine. The Jewish people had reduced worship to outward forms, rituals and ceremonies. They thought that by religiously adhering to the letter of the Law, and going through certain rites and formalities, they were worshipping the Father. But their worship was outward and not inward. Their bodies might be bowed down but their hearts were not right before the Lord. When Jesus said worship must be in Spirit and in truth, He was rebuking the Jews and the Samaritans for they were both in error. But He was also informing them that it was now possible for men to draw near to God through Him in true and sincere worship.

Chris Demetriou, 22/06/2009