Thursday, January 21, 2016

John 2-4: Honesty, i,e., Worship in Spirit and in Truth

John 4:23-24

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

23 A time will come, however, indeed it is already here, when the true (genuine) worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth (reality); for the Father is seeking just such people as these as His worshipers.
24 God is a Spirit (a spiritual Being) and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth (reality).

Jesus had just spoken to a woman who, most probably, was a societal outcast.  She had been with five men and the man she was living with now was not her husband.  In that point in history according to Jewish law, she could have been stoned to death.  Yet Jesus talked to and encouraged her to "worship the Father in spirit and in truth (reality); for the Father is seeking just such people as these as His worshipers"(John 4: 23).

This woman was honest with Jesus about her living arrangements (living with a man who was not her husband). Jesus spoke to her about her lifestyle (having been with five men previously).  He did not mention that she was sinning; she already knew that.  Instead, Jesus spoke to the true passion in this woman's heart...worship.

Could it be that this woman went from man to man searching for a means of release for the passion within her?  Jesus identified this woman's true desire, to worship God the right way!

Others probably ostracized this woman for her behavior, yet Jesus spoke to her true passion.  Although wrong in her behavior, she was honest about it with the Lord.  

How many Christians point the finger as those in sin, yet are not honest with the Lord about their own failings?

Worship Him in spirit and in truth! These are the worshipers He seeks.  Christians and non-Christians, He's calling you to be honest with Him.  Without honesty, there is no grace.  Without grace, well, we are lost!

Holy Spirit, empower us to be honest with You, so You can pour out Your powerful grace upon us!  Stop us from pointing the finger at others!  Instead, give us the ability to speak the true passion within others.  In the great and awesome Name of Jesus, AMEN!!! 

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