True Worshipers

Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.

--Palm 29:1--2

King Herod was a shrewd and clever tyrant, and he was a great builder. Today, some 2000 years later, the remains of his incredible structures, including his fortress of Masada, are still visible in Israel. He built Masada because he was afraid that someone would try to take his kingdom. He even had his own sons executed because he perceived them as a threat to his kingdom. It was said in Herod's day, "Better to be one of Herod's pigs than his sons."

When wise men from the East came to Jerusalem asking, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?" (Matthew 2:2), Herod suddenly realized there was another king in town. The Bible says Herod was troubled. He told them, "When you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also" (Matthew 2:8). Just as the wise men were true worshipers, Herod was a false one. He was hostile toward God, yet he masqueraded as a worshiper of Him.

Herods by the dozens sit in the pews of many churches today. Outwardly, they appear devout and deeply religious, but inwardly they are living a lie. They don't know God. They don't have a relationship with Him. They may sing the songs and give to the offering. They may do all the right things, but it doesn't mean they are true worshipers, because God looks on the heart.

If your life is not right with God when you come to worship Him, not only does it fail to please God, but it is offensive to Him. What does God see in your heart? There are plenty of false worshipers today. Are you a true one?

For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.org.