November 28 “Worship God!”

Revelation 22:8-9 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. 9 But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the words of this book. Worship God!”
 
HAS John had a strange, magnificent dream? Or has he heard from God? Just as the prophets of old declared all they spoke was “the Word of the Lord”,  John affirmed the Lord’s words to him: Revelation 1:1 “The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John.” Each word, image and experience reveals what will soon take place. (Remember, “soon” is both a sudden occurrence and a measure against eternity.) Various angels, too, have revealed God’s future news to the apostle.
    It is interesting to consider that both “apostle” and “angel” mean “messenger”. An important element of understanding the Bible is to remember it is God’s message to his church. Messages are written and spoken to convey useful information. God’s kingdom was founded on God’s revelation to mankind. Jesus spoke specifically to 12 apostles. The church expanded from the first 12 apostles through an increasing number of messengers who preached, evangelized, taught, administered and defended Jesus’ true church. In the Greek language, those teachers were angels, gospel messengers.
    Each of us today in the church have inherited that legacy of declaring God’s message. Jesus has preached the gospel. The apostles and others have taught us more directly. We are instructed, commanded and challenged to be messengers of faith and purpose.
    Have you ever considered that as a Christian, you are a messenger as the prophets, the apostles, the angels and Jesus? Are you in awe of your great blessing, your extraordinary opportunity and high responsibility? Do you in wonder and joy obey the angel’s words, “Worship God!” to convey the Lord’s message?
    Yes, to “Worship God!” is to honor your God above all things, even your own desires. “Worship God!” means we live into God’s “messenger teachings” as in Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. 14 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” Yes, “Worship God!” is to be as Jesus: John 13:35 “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”   
    To “Worship God!” is the way of your redeemed life. What way have you chosen?   
 
Prayer: Lord God, if I have directed my worship anywhere but to you, awaken me to that sin. Turn my heart, my hands and my feet to worship you above all. In Jesus’ name, amen.