Read John 4:19-24. Circle the words that stand out to you? What is the Lord saying to you?
19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”
21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
Digging Deeper
We may say to ourselves, “What can a Pastor say that I don’t know already? I have read the Bible forwards and backwards. I’ve been sitting in this pew for year and years. I’ve been attending Sunday School and Fellowship even longer!” Have you ever said or thought, “I’ve been there and done it all.”?
The Samaritans have worshiped on that same mountain for centuries and the Jews have worshiped in Jerusalem for centuries. Of course, no Samaritan would be allowed to worship in Jerusalem. The word, worship and worshippers, is used eleven times in this passage. Question, “Where is the right place to worship?”
Mega churches attract large crowds of people. It may even have a street named after itself. It has multimillion dollar worship centers, educational buildings, a sports complex for activities, a large YouTube audience and worship team that rivals any famous singer. It’s packed every Sunday, in person and online. Now we may think, that is where you will really experience God and the Holy Spirit, not that small church down the road!
But Christ tells us that it is worshipping in Spirit and in truth. It’s not the location. It’s from your spirit and heart. Don’t confuse the “noise” of worship, as worship. It’s not just about how you and I feel in the service. It’s being right with God. It’s about thanking Him for the simple blessings of each day. Giving Him weight and worth, not just from our lips, but from our hearts and flowing into our lives. It is really between you and Him.
Ask yourself, “Why am I going to church this Sunday?” Your answer will reveal your heart. God wants your heart, soul, mind and strength, not just your physical body sitting in the pew for an hour. Worship is more than a Sunday service, it is an attitude and a lifestyle.
Kingston