Sunday Seed Thoughts: Ascribing Worth

The etymology of the word “worship is from the Middle English “worshipe” which means “respect or reverence paid to a divine being.” It is derived from the Old English “weorthscipe” which means to “ascribe worth.”

In that regard, Mike Cosper in Rhythms of Grace wrote, “To our imaginations, it’s probably strange (at the least) or gross (at the worst) to envision anyone perpetually exalting himself. “We live in a world full of bluster and bragging, where Nicki Minaj boasts “I’m the best,” LeBron James tattoos “Chosen 1” across his shoulders, and everyone from pastors to porn stars are self-celebrating on Twitter and Facebook. The idea that God would be associated with anything like that behavior is disconcerting.

“But God’s own self-adoration is nothing like ours,” correctly observed Mike. “Unlike our own self-congratulatory spirit, God’s view of himself is unmistaken and unexaggerated.”

John reminds us that God is worthy in the vision of the great Throne scene when the 24 elders fall down to worship him proclaiming…

“You are worthy, O Lord,
To receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things,
And by Your will they exist and were created.”
–Rev. 4:11

Then the scene focuses on Jesus, the Lamb of God. John saw and heard the chorus of angels, living creations, the 24 elders and ten’s of thousands shouting:

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
To receive power and riches and wisdom,
And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

“Blessing and honor and glory and power
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”
–Rev. 5:11-13

Today, as preachers, pastors, and Christians assemble worldwide for worship, it’s important to remember we’re not there for self-aggrandizement. Or self-promotion. Or self-absorption.

We are sinful. God is holy.

We are finite. God is infinite.

We are unworthy. God is worthy.

We are the worshipers. God is the One to be worshiped.

Worship God.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman