True Worshippers

In a recent post, we identified what precisely Biblical perfection looks like.  Contrary to natural thought, we discovered that perfection does not necessarily mean a life void of sin.  But one that has been tested and tried, and found perfect in love towards God. 

 

Many other posts reflected on what the actual “process” looks like. Once complete, a heart that was diseased, broken, and divided becomes healed, perfect, and whole.  

 

Now, throughout scripture, there were many that were made “whole” by Christ, regardless of what ailments they were plagued with.  Yet sadly, only few returned and worshiped him.  You see, it’s natural for us to run and seek his presence, when we feel “stuck”.  However, when he makes all things well, is when we have a tendency to forget where our commitments lie.  The psalmist states:

 

Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. (Ps. 119:2 KJV)

 

God searches for worshippers that will worship him not only for the benefits they are receiving out of the relationship. They continue to worship him after the plague is gone.  Jesus refers to them as “true worshippers”.  

 

 

…true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. (John 4:23 NIV)

 

 

You see, God planned a journey for the Israelites, out of Egypt, through the wilderness, and to the promise land. Symbolizing a spiritual journey we take, out of the bondage of sin. On their journey they hungered and were thirsty, and he revealed to them that only he can truly satisfy them.  

 

Likely, on our spiritual journey, we discover that it is he alone, that satisfies the hungry and thirsty soul.  

 

 It was a difficult journey; however, he gave them a promise of rest upon entering their destination.  Many times, throughout, he reminded them that when you reach your desired destination, don’t forget me…

 

…then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the LORD…(Deu. 6:11-12 NIV)

 

Spiritually speaking, do not go back to searching for satisfaction in anything outside of me.  A perfect (whole) heart, that seeks to be satisfied in his presence, will not search for satisfaction in anything else.  

 

…that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (Ja. 1:4 KJV)

 

 

 

 

When the Lord appeared to Solomon in 1 Kings 9, he declared 

 

if you walk before me faithfully with integrity of heart and uprightness…(vs.4)

 

Per google, integrity defined is the state of being whole and undivided

 

I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever…(vs. 5)

 

You will become a vessel unto the Lord, and make a lasting impact onto your generation and thereafter…

 

 

But if you or your descendants turn away from me …and go off to serve other gods and worship them… (vs.6)

 

That is, If you begin looking for satisfaction in anything outside of me…

 

 

Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight… (vs. 7)

 

Then, you will no longer be a place of habitation for his presence…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supporting texts

 Create in me a pure heart, O God (ps. 51:10)

I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws. (Psa. 119:30 NIV)

 

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. (Psa. 23:1 KJV)

 

I will praise thee with uprightness of heart… (Ps. 119:7 KJV)

 

With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. (Ps. 119:10 KJV)