Part 1: God Seeks Worshippers
Introduction
Worship is more than an act; it’s a lifestyle that embodies our relationship with God. In the scripture, God consistently seeks those who worship Him in spirit and truth. This blog explores how true worship transforms lives and connects us deeply with our Heavenly Father. As we delve into the story of Saul’s disobedience and David’s heart for God, we will uncover the essence of true worship and its profound impact.
God Seeks Worshippers
God’s desire for true worshippers is highlighted in Isaiah 29:12-14 (AMP):
“The entire vision [of all these things] will be to you like the words of a scroll that is sealed, which they give to one who can read, saying, “Read this, please,” he shall say, “I cannot, for it is sealed.” Then the Lord said, “Because this nation approaches [Me only] with their words and honours Me [only] with their lip service, but they remove their hearts far from Me, and their reverence for Me is a tradition that is learned by rote [without any regard for its meaning], Therefore, listen carefully, I will again do marvellous and amazing things with this people, wonderful and astonishing things; And the wisdom of their wise men will perish, and the understanding of their discerning men will be hidden.”
In these verses, God condemns the people for their lip service and mechanical traditions, highlighting the importance of heartfelt worship. Jesus echoed this sentiment in Matthew 15:8, saying, “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honour Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.”
The Consequences of Losing Intimacy with God
When we lose intimacy with God, several things happen:
#1 Revelation is shut: Without a close relationship with God, our spiritual understanding and insights diminish.
#2 Understanding is dulled: Our ability to comprehend spiritual truths and discern God’s will becomes impaired.
Proverbs 4:7 (AMP) emphasises the importance of wisdom and understanding: “The beginning of wisdom is: Get [skilful and godly] wisdom [it is preeminent]! And with all your acquiring, get understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation].”
“When God is not your priority, you become desensitized to His Spirit, and the things of the Spirit are hidden from you!” – Shaun Smit.
Saul Loses His Kingdom
The story of Saul in 1 Samuel 13:13-14 (NKJV) illustrates the consequences of disobedience and lack of intimacy with God:
“And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the LORD your God, which He commanded you. For now the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. But now your kingdom shall not continue. The LORD has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the LORD has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the LORD commanded you.”
Context of Saul’s Disobedience:
1. Philistine Threat: Saul and Jonathan faced the Philistines, causing fear and scattering among the Israelites (1 Samuel 13:3-7).
2. Saul’s Impatience: Instead of waiting for Samuel, Saul offered the burnt offering himself (1 Samuel 13:8-9), violating God’s
command.
Saul’s actions resulted in a rebuke from Samuel and the loss of his kingdom. His fear, impatience, and disobedience showed that his heart was far from God.
David: A Man After God’s Own Heart
In contrast, David was chosen by God for his heart and integrity. Psalm 78:70-72 (NKJV) states:
“He also chose David His servant, And took him from the sheepfolds; From following the ewes that had young He brought him, To shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance. So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart And guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.”
The word Servant in Hebrew is ‘âbad (aw-bad)’, which actually refers to do (use) service, (set a) work, worshipper. David’s life as a shepherd prepared him for leadership, highlighting the importance of a humble, serving heart and being a true worshipper of God is not an event but a lifestyle. True worshippers are those who, like David, seek God with sincerity, integrity, and service, faithful in the little while being prepared for the “big.”
The Father is Seeking True Worshippers
Jesus emphasised true worship in John 4:19-24 (NKJV):
“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
True worship is not about external rituals or locations but a heart-to-heart connection with God. It involves being born again, enabled by the Holy Spirit, and worshipping with biblical integrity, personal honesty, and transparency. It’s a life built upon the Word of God, led by the Spirit of God, bearing fruits that honour and Glorify God in all you do.
“True worship is a lifestyle devoted to seeking out the things of God, not an event you attend.” Shaun Smit
Conclusion
The story of Saul and David teaches us the importance of a heart that seeks God sincerely. As we cultivate a heart of true worship, we open ourselves to divine encounters and revelations. Acts 13:22 (NKJV) confirms, “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.”
Cities can be delivered, saved, and transformed from places of worship. As 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NKJV) says, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”
Let us strive to be true worshippers, seeking God with all our hearts, souls, and minds and witnessing His marvellous works.
This blog was inspired by Ps Shaun’s message at Faith Legacy Believers Church on the 16th of June, 2024. You can watch the full message below.
Well done Ps Shaun . Thank you.❤️