Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Worship in Spirit and Truth
Isaiah 6: 1-8
 V.8: Also I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us”? Then I said, “Here I am! Send me”.
It is believed that King Uzziah died in 739 BC. During his reign, he committed the offence of burning incense in the House of the Lord God and became a leper for life. The entry of king Uzziah was unwarranted and offensive because he entered the temple with a haughty heart. Prophet Isiah in contrast, acknowledges how unworthy he is to come before a Holy God. Isaiah found favor with the Lord whereas king Uzziah lost his standing before God.
    
The Bible is replete with illustrations of the Holy God who favors the humble in the spirit. The pinnacle of humbleness is seen in the life of our Lord Jesus himself. “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” -Philippians 2:8. The washing of disciples’ feet is proclaimed as a glorious example of a humble master.
    
Humility paves the path to realize one’s purpose of existence. Here, Isaiah, at the holy utterance from God, understood what his life’s mission is. He seized the opportunity as soon as it evolved and started acting on it. The Lord God was well pleased to appoint Isaiah as His emissary. In his illustrious vocation as a prophet, Isaiah rendered faithful service as a servant of God.
    
Worship is the act of taking in the awe and magnificence of Lord God Almighty. Since God is spirit, we cannot truly worship Him in our flesh. Our spirit must truly establish the connection to the          Holy Spirit. It is possible only when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. His sacrifice on the cross becomes our access path to the Holy God. When we worship Him in this fashion, we will also “love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.” Then, we will hear His voice calling us for His mission as the prophet did.
    
In Leviticus chapter 10, we read the frightening episode of Nadab and Abihu. “Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them.” They were instantly devoured by the fire from the Lord. Therefore, we must be extremely careful how we worship the Lord. The blood of Christ covers for the inappropriate things we may have done in the presence of Lord God and therefore, we are not consumed. 
PRAYER
Lord, teach us to worship You in spirit and truth. Let the Holy Spirit freely work in us through Your Word enabling us to be Your messengers in the glorious work of your Kingdom.
 
Thought for the day
“Any man or woman on this earth who is bored and turned off by worship is not ready for heaven.”  A.W. Tozer.

Abraham Mammen
Epiphany Mar Thoma Church, New York

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