“And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.” (Mark 15:19)
I was thinking of something, I do not recall ever being in what is considered an Evangelical church where the entire congregation during the service went to their knees to worship the Living God. I have seen heads bowed, eyes closed, hands clasped together, even grasping the hands of the ones next to them in the pew, singular and both hands raised, even standing to offer praise, but never on their knees.
The Romanist make a habit of this, required, even forcefully exerted upon those they have deceived. I have witnessed Charismatics roll in the isles, slain in the Spirit as they like to call it, the epitome of worship to them, bowing to an overly excited emotional state.
“Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.” (Rev. 22:9)
John, who had walked with our Savior, did so twice. Daniel’s three friends refused to bend the knee.
What interests me are those centurions and the way that word “worshipped” is used in the context. It was a mocking action of course, but it reveals a truth about mankind, we will bow down and offer servitude, obedience, to that which we recognize as greater than ourselves, to one who deserves more honor than we do.
In the presence of a king, a president, head of state, one who has great earthly wealth, even those who are physically stronger than us. We worship power yet seek it within ourselves.
“For they went and served other gods, and worshipped them, gods whom they knew not, and whom he had not given unto them:” (Deut. 29:26)
Another verse I have been pondering the last few days at length.
Most people my friends will worship that which can offer them something that they cannot obtain for themselves, a slave may love his master, as long as that master continues to provide for his daily needs but will attempt to flee from his presence if he begins to mistreat him.
The Almighty was not providing certain wants of the children of Israel, so they went to serve other gods, even to the point of placing their own children on burning hot brazen alters.
“Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Matt. 4:10)
Can worship be commanded of another? Yes, definitely, all that is required to see the truth of that statement is this verse.
“And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.” (Job 2:4)
Even Satan offered the Lord Jesus Christ much if He would what?
Bow down and worship him.
At this moment, every type of worship outside of the following verse that comes to mind has to do with either fear or the fulfillment of a want, with selfishness.
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
Obeying is worship.
Those centurions mocked the Lord of Glory with the surest sign of worship, they bent the knee, at least the most visible, prominent external sign. But they had no intention of obeying Him, nor did they fear Him in any way.
Contemplate what they did and why, spend time considering why John twice started to do so when he should not have, and then look to yourself and ask this question of yourself, why do I worship the Living God? Is it because you love Him? If it is because you love Him, are you obeying Him?
Who, or what, we bend the knee to reveals who we worship, who we obey is our master.
