WORTHY WORSHIP

“[They] fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts.”

(Matt. 2:11)

When sinners come to God to be saved, they are to come empty-handed. When saints come to worship, there is to be something in hand. The old gospel song which says, “Nothing in my hands I bring” has reference to sinners, not saints. It’s paying our respects, so to speak.

 “David tells us how to come before God in worship, “...bring an offering and come into His courts. O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” (Psa. 96:8-9) There are certain elements which must be present if worship is to be in Spirit and Truth. One involves self-sacrifice, self-denial.

 Such a gift will personally cost us dearly. But worthiness never deserves worthlessness! Mary forever showed us this truth with her alabaster box. And so with the window by giving her last two small mites. Cheapskates are forever excluded from authentic worship! 

Even a poor person can present that which God treasures most— our hearts! Jeremiah was with the poor remnant of God’s people when he said, “Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.” (Lam. 3:41) It is far easier to give the material than the man.

When we offer such an interior sacrifice, our God, who sees in secret, will reward us openly. To be sure, with such sacrifices He is wellpleased. As my dear mentor used to say, “When you give God your mind, you give Him half a man; when you give Him your heart, you give Him the whole man. 

The wise man said it to his son, and God still repeats it to His:

“My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways.”

(Prov. 23:26)