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Devotional for Week of 7 July 2008 Sermon Title: Worship Recognises His Majesty “The General Inspector” was a famous Russian story about how the top officials of a small town reacted with terror to the news of an incognito inspector to be sent to their town for an undercover inspection. The townsfolk are sent into a flurry of activity to cover up their various misdeeds and clean up the town. About the same time, a suspicious person arrived at the town. Assuming he was the Inspector, the townsfolk got so excited and offered him VIP treatment. The local Chief of Police provided him accommodation in his house; the townsfolk treated him to free meals, transportation, tailored-made suits and even free bank loans. The stranger exploited the situation, lapped up all the good treatment and left the town after a week. This person, however, was not an inspector; he was a young light-headed and ambitious office clerk from the capital who was travelling to his parents' estate simply because he had run out of money. True enough, one day as soon he left, a taxi drove by and another stranger arrived. This time round, it was the real General Inspector. The comic irony of the story stems from a simple theme of mistaken identity. What happens in reel life happens in real life; we do come across cases of mistaken identity. It is interesting to read in Revelation 22:6-11 how the disciple John went through this experience too. It is noted that he was too eager to acknowledge and pay tribute to the angel as the Holy One. However according to the scriptures, the angel was honest enough to say he was not the Almighty One. He was only an ordinary creature created by God, like a fellow servant such as John. The angel went on to remind John to turn his attention to the real One - God. The word the angel used was – “Worship God.” Another translation says: “God alone you must worship.” I believe the angel has highlighted a most profound truth: The object of our worship should not be an angel, image, idol or any human being, but God and God alone. True worship is about recognising God’s majesty. 1. God is supreme The first commandment in the Ten Commandments reminds us that “you shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:4) This is a serious teaching and command and we must not to take it too lightly. God is making it very clear to His people that He is God and we should not make any counterfeit images in place of Him or idolize things that defile His name. When you read the Old Testament, you will discover how King Solomon dedicated the temple by acknowledging the fullness and greatness of God. “O Lord of Israel there is no other God like you, in heaven above or on earth.” (1 Kings 8:22-53; 2 Chronicles 6:12-40) King Solomon knew who God was and so with his love and devotion for God, he built this great temple to God’s glory and honour. 2. Because God is Supreme, we need to humble ourselves before Him John’s response to our Lord Jesus was that “He must increase and I must decrease.” (John 3:30). One translation puts it: “He must become more important while I become less important.” Psalm 95:6 says: “Come let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker…” As far as the worship of God is concerned, we are to bow and kneel down in a posture of reverence. The Thai people, with their rich culture and heritage, have much to teach us. They have a strong love and respect for their King. During his dialogues with his people, the King has been seen literally looking down at his people who are all seated on the floor. Only the King speaks and they are all listening attentively. Nobody is seen standing or talking or looking at their cell phone. They give their 100% attention to their King. The Thais show much reverence and honour for their King. What about God’s people? Do we regard God’s sanctuary as a place of worship? Do we come on time to worship God as a community? Do we come to church and show high regard to God and give Him glory and honour? Do we remember God’s supremacy and greatness in our worship? Are we casual with God or are we full of love and reverence for Him? Friends, I pray that you would desire to express your love and devotion to God. Will you be prepared to give Him all of your worship, reverence, respect and honour? To God and God alone. As the angel says to John in Revelation 22, worship God. Worship Him in His fullness and glory. Prayer Response Let us meditate on the words of this song of worship to God: You are beautiful beyond description And I stand, stand in awe of You (Mark Altrogge. Copyright © 1987 People of Destiny. International/Word Music/Adm. by CopyCare.) Devotional based on message by Rev Lee Yam Kai
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