“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.” (Jn. 4:23 NKJ)

I grew up knowing that the word “true” in the verse above referred to sincerity and honesty in worship. Many believers also think of true worship as a “heartfelt,” true, and sincere worship of God. Well, true worship as mentioned above is not referring to sincerity in worshipping God.

Instead, the word “true” means “the real thing,” as opposed to a shadowy representation.  For example, the Tabernacle in the wilderness was only a shadow of the true tabernacle in heaven as seen in Hebrews 8:2 which says Jesus is “a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.”

Moreover, whenever you see a shadow it means the real thing is close by. You can look at your shadow now and then realize the shadow is there only because the “real thing” is there. This is also illustrated in Colossians 2:17 which says the Law had “a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.”

That means that the Tabernacle in Israel was a shadow of the true tabernacle. The high priests were only shadows of the true High Priest that is Jesus. The worshipers under the law were only a shadow of the true worshipers who are the new creation in Christ.

The true worshiper, then, is simply a believer in Christ who has been recreated with a new spirit that is alive to God. You do not have to do anything to be a true worshiper or to worship in spirit and truth. The day you were born again, you were born a true worshiper!

MEDITATE

What, then, is the meaning of worshipping God in spirit and truth?

APPLY THE WORD

Your worship is precious to God, because you are the one He wants to worship Him. Worship the Lord!

PRAY

Praise and thank the Lord for making you a true worshiper in Christ.

Recommended Read: Cultivate an Attitude of Worship and There is a spiritual sacrifices in your mouth.
Must Read!: What is a Daily Devotional?

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