Mar 8

Matthew 15:7-9
Memorise Matthew 15:8
“…not with eyeservice, as menpleasers…”

Read this whole passage (Matthew 15:7-9): “Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Jesus was speaking to the scribes and Pharisees, who taught and followed their traditions more than God’s word! Their worship is thus unacceptable, for they do so in vain, for God does not hear them.

When you read these verses though, don’t you feel as though a sharp sword is piercing your heart? Jesus doesn’t mince his words! He calls a spade a spade! He sees right into our hearts – we may think we are drawing near to him with our mouth and honouring him with our lips (eg. saying the Lord’s prayer), but He knows our hearts, and knows when we’re just paying Him lip service!

So, what are the unacceptable ways of worshipping God? I’m sure you know – look around the sanctuary on a Sunday morning, and observe how many appear bored, as if they would rather be elsewhere. Some don’t sing the hymns, some sing as if they’re in funerals. Some spend half the time texting on their phones. Some look as if they are paying attention to the preacher, but their hearts are far away from God, either not belonging to Him in the first place, or thinking of worldly pursuits like where to go after church, instead of focusing on what the Holy Spirit is teaching them through His Word preached.

In the mega-churches you can hear drums and guitars and stirring solo performances. The singing can sound very joyous, but they’re more often man-centred than God-centred. Yes, this so-called worship does capture the attention of the church goer, but that is not the purpose of worship! This worship is also unacceptable to God because their hearts are focused not on what God is teaching but on what man is doing.

Thought: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1)
Prayer: Lord, teach me to worship You acceptably.