In a sense, commitment is the epitome of worship. Despite the thorough treatment we have given the topic in the past months, without this last essential element, worship is incomplete—rather, it has not taken place at all.
That’s because true worship IS the gospel message. And the full gospel message ends with a complete and total response. It’s not about just understanding the message, but responding to it in sacrifice, service, and love toward God and other people. Not just proclaiming the power of the gospel to change lives, but demonstrating that transformation with your life by pursuing holiness. Not just marveling in the magnitude of God’s saving grace, but making it the center of your life.
In his book, Living the Cross Centered Life (highly recommended), C.J. Mahaney says, “Never let the cross slide into second or third place in your life. Never lay it aside. Never move on.” He says if you want to understand more about the Old Testament, never move on from the basic gospel message. If you want to understand more about the return of Christ, never move on from the gospel. If you want to grow in your prayer, personal holiness, or relationships, keep the gospel at the center of your life. Keeping the gospel central in your life means being committed in your response of repentance and love for Christ.
Isaiah 6:1-8 is a picture of worship, but most importantly it is a picture of the gospel. Along with Isaiah, as we live with the knowledge and transformation of the atoning grace of God, made possible only by the sacrifice of the Lamb on the altar, our response should be that of immediate and enthusiastic commitment: “Here am I! Send me.”
No comments:
Post a Comment