Matthew 2:1-2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem village, Judah territory -- this was during Herod’s kingship – a band of scholars arrived in Jerusalem from the East. They asked around. “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.”
We are created to worship the King of the Jews, our King, our creator.
I grew up in a church that did not emphasize worshiping God. We sang beautiful hymns and listened to a sermon then went home.
One day in this church I began to sing those hymns like a prayer to God. I knew I was worshiping God. He didn’t care if I kept on tune as long as I made a joyful noise to Him.
I had changed denominations and the pastor would say the offering was an act of worship for those who called this church home. This church also raised their hands. Drums, guitars, tambourines and a host of people replaced the organ player for worship.
I was in a worshiping church, but was exactly was worship? This was a change and puzzle to me.
The Hebrew language has many words for our worship word. Below is a list of Hebrew words for worship.
Barak- to kneel or bow. Reverence to God as adoration Psalm 100:4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.
Todah- an extension of the hand sacrifice of praise Psalm 50:14 Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving and pay your vows to the Most High. Raising your hands is worship.
https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/CraftyCutiesbyDesign?ref=l2-shopheader-name Zamar- to make music accompanied with voice Psalm 66:2 Sing out the honor of his name; Make his praise glorious. Psalm 100:1 Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth. It doesn’t say was need to stay on tune. 2 Samuel 6:5 The Israelite's were celebrating before the Lord with all kinds of instruments made of fir wood, and with lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets and cymbals.
Macha- to run or strike the hands together to clap Psalm 98:8 Let the rivers clap their hands.
Karah- Dance or whirl 2 Samuel 6:14 And David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, and David was wearing a linen ephod.
Latreuo
--to render religious service of homage. It is commonly translated as the
word “serve” when referring to serving God. Ministry is serving God and worshipping Him. Luke 4:8 – Jesus answered, ”It is
written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’
Over 2000 years ago a band of wise men, scholars traveled and searched to worship Jesus. Matthew 2:11 They entered the house and saw the child in
the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome they kneeled and worshiped Him. Then
they opened their luggage and presented gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Let us worship God’s and bring him our gifts, whatever they
may be this Christmas season and always.
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Thank you for a wonderful devotion this morning, Joyce. Amazingly, He does the same thing over us......"...the Lord your God has arrived to live among you. He is a mighty savior. He will rejoice over you with great gladness. With his love he will calm all your fears. He will exult over you by singing a happy song." Zeph. 3:17 TLB
Very interesting!