Why Should People Worship God?
The question of why we should worship God strikes at the very core of our existence and our relationship with the Divine. The scriptures offer a multitude of compelling reasons, each revealing a facet of God's magnificent character and His interaction with humanity. Let us explore some of these profound truths that call us to worship.
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1. Because He is holy and righteous (Revelation 15:4)
"Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed." God's very nature is holy and righteous, set apart in perfect purity and justice. His holiness inspires awe and reverence, while His righteousness calls for our adoration and submission to His perfect standards. We worship Him because He is the epitome of all that is good and true.
2. Because of His greatness (Deuteronomy 10:12, 17)
"And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul... For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes." Deuteronomy calls us to fear, obey, love, and serve the Lord, recognizing His unparalleled greatness as the "God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome." His power, majesty, and sovereignty over all creation compel us to bow before Him in worship.
3. Because He shows no partiality (Deuteronomy 10:17)
"...For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes." In a world often marked by injustice and favoritism, God stands apart as one who shows no partiality. His justice is impartial, His love extends to all, and His judgment is fair. This attribute inspires trust and calls us to worship a God who treats all with equity.
4. Because of His goodness (1 Samuel 12:24)
"Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you." Samuel exhorts the people to fear and serve the Lord, urging them to consider the "great things He has done for them." God's goodness is manifested in His provision, His mercy, His love, and His countless blessings upon humanity. Gratitude for His goodness naturally leads us to worship.
5. Because of His great works (Joshua 4:23-24)
"For the Lord your God dried up the Jordan before you until you had crossed over. The Lord your God did to the Jordan just what he had done to the Red Sea when he dried it up before us until we had crossed over. He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God." The miraculous crossing of the Jordan, like the parting of the Red Sea, reveals God's mighty power and His intervention in human history. His "great works" demonstrate His ability to deliver, protect, and fulfill His promises, inspiring awe and worship.
6. Because of His forgiveness (Psalm 130:4)
"But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you." The Psalmist recognizes that God's attribute of forgiveness is not a license to sin but a reason for reverent service and worship. His willingness to pardon our transgressions and restore us to relationship calls forth our deepest gratitude and adoration.
7. Because of His judgment (Revelation 14:7)
"He said in a loud voice, 'Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.'" The impending judgment of God is not presented as a cause for despair for those in Christ, but as a reason to fear Him and give Him glory. His justice will ultimately prevail, and all will be held accountable. This reality calls us to worship the righteous Judge of all.
8. Because He has the power to cast into hell (Luke 12:5)
"But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." Jesus Himself points to God's ultimate authority, even over eternal destiny. This sobering truth underscores the seriousness of our relationship with Him and the importance of reverent worship.
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Conclusion:
We should indeed fear God, not in a way that breeds terror, but in a way that acknowledges His almighty power, His perfect holiness, and His unwavering justice. He is a God to be revered and respected above all else. Yet, we also recognize that He is a God full of mercy and compassion towards all who turn to Him in faith. Our worship should therefore be a response of awe, gratitude, love, and obedience to the One who is infinitely worthy. Amen.