Introduction

Good morning, Church family! I'm delighted to be here with you today to dive into God's Word together. We’ve got a special treat today as we explore Luke 19:37-40 and unpack the power of true worship, the relevance of Jesus' example, and the necessity of genuine devotion.

I’ll start with a quote from A.W. Tozer who once said, "Worship is no longer worship when it reflects the culture around us more than the Christ within us." This quote will serve as our guiding principle today as we navigate through the fundamental aspects of worship.

Let’s read Luke 19:37-40 together

"When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 'Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!' Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, 'Teacher, rebuke your disciples!' 'I tell you,' he replied, 'if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.'"

The Power of True Worship

The Power of True Worship is a concept that is both simple and complex, straightforward yet profound. It is the idea that when we worship God in spirit and in truth, there is a unique power that is unleashed, a divine energy that transcends our human understanding. This power is not just about singing songs or saying prayers; it is about the alignment of our hearts, minds, and spirits with the heart of God. It is about a deep, intimate connection with our Creator that transforms us from the inside out.

In the passage we read from Luke 19, we see a vivid illustration of the power of true worship. The disciples were praising God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen. Their worship was not just a ritual or a tradition; it was a spontaneous outpouring of joy and gratitude for what God had done in their lives. They were not just going through the motions; they were genuinely moved by the power of God. This is the essence of true worship - it is not about what we do, but about who God is and what He has done in our lives.

The Pharisees, on the other hand, were more concerned about the noise and the disruption than about the worship itself. They wanted Jesus to rebuke His disciples, to silence their praise. But Jesus responded in a way that underscores the power of true worship. He said, "If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." In other words, if we do not worship God, creation itself will rise up to do so. This is a powerful reminder that worship is not just a human activity; it is a cosmic reality. The whole universe is designed to worship God, and when we join in that worship, we align ourselves with the fundamental purpose of creation.

True worship also has the power to transform us. As we focus on God, as we pour out our hearts in praise and thanksgiving, we are changed. We become more like Christ. We begin to see the world through His eyes, to love with His love, to serve with His compassion. We are shaped and molded by the power of His presence in our lives. This is not a one-time event, but a lifelong process. The more we worship, the more we are transformed.

True worship also has the power to impact the world around us. When we worship God in spirit and in truth, we become channels of His love and grace. We become lights in a dark world, salt in a tasteless society. We become agents of change, catalysts for transformation. Our worship is not just about us and God; it is also about our relationship with the world. It is about bringing the kingdom of God to earth, about living out the values of the kingdom in our daily lives.

The Relevance of Jesus' Example

Jesus' example is not just a historical account; it is a living, breathing guide for our lives today ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO