Deeper Devotion | Growth in Christ

Spiritual Formation and Direction

elizabeth — Sun, 25 May 2008 14:00:24 +0000

In my circles in The Netherlands the terms “spiritual formation” and “spiritual direction” are still fairly unfamiliar. This article, published by my seminary, articulates the focus of my chosen field very well. I share it here by permission of one of the authors, my valued professor and advisor, Donald Goertz.

In recent years across a wide spectrum of Christian denominations there has been a proliferation of interest in the topic of “spiritual formation” and a resurgence of the practice of “spiritual direction.” What do these important, but sometimes elusive, terms mean? What are the biblical and theological contours of “spiritual formation”? How does “spiritual formation” relate to “spiritual direction”?

In this article we attempt to elucidate the working definition of spiritual formation that shapes Tyndale Seminary’s approach to the subject. In our required course in spirituality, in our Spiritual Formation major within the Master of Divinity degree, and as we prepare men and women to serve as spiritual directors, we are guided by a statement that reads: “Spiritual formation is the continuing response to the reality of God’s grace shaping us into the likeness of Jesus Christ, through the work of the Holy Spirit, in the community of faith for the sake of the world.”

The place to begin is with the observation that spiritual formation is understood as an ongoing process for Christians. Spiritual formation is not a “program” or “project” or “course” that is completed in a few weeks, but rather is a lifelong process of transformation. While there can be decisive steps forward or dramatic spiritual insights in a moment, the focus here is on fostering the gradual and progressive movement into spiritual depth and personal growth. Faith in Jesus Christ sustains a lifelong journey toward spiritual maturity or wholeness found in him. This process cannot be reduced to learning how to “do things for the Lord” because it is primarily a matter of cultivating an intimate relationship with God. This is a continuous challenge, “running the race with perseverance” (Heb. 12:1). For this reason, the statement refers to the dynamic of “continuing response.”

The process of spiritual formation is not defined by someone’s search within themselves for spiritual health, but rather by a “continuing response to the reality of God’s grace.” From this perspective we see that spiritual formation is not the product of human effort or personal willpower, but a matter of God’s own initiative and God’s decisive action. In theological terms, “grace” speaks of the unmerited gift of God’s love and mercy, shown supremely in Christ’s death and resurrection. Our definition seeks to reflect the biblical logic of divine grace that is exemplified in the truth that “we love, because he first loved us” (1 Jn 4:19). As Christians, our vocation is to respond in faith, trust and obedience to the Good News that we have received in Christ, and to welcome God’s transforming power into our lives.

Divine grace speaks not merely of a past reality by referring backward to an experience of salvation; grace also is a present reality that informs the current experience of the Christian life. God’s grace has shaped us, and is “shaping us” from day to day, and will shape us in the future. What are we being shaped into? The goal of spiritual formation is to be transformed “into the likeness of Jesus Christ” (Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18). Because being “conformed to the image of his Son” is the ultimate purpose of God’s saving work through the cross and resurrection, “becoming like Christ” means participating in the salvation accomplished by Jesus—knowing Christ in the “power of his resurrection” and in “the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings” (Phil 3:10). Being “conformed to Christ” means embracing a way of life given a distinctive shape expressed in obedience to God and marked by self-sacrifice and humble service of others, the kind of life that Jesus demonstrated during his earthly ministry.

The definition explains that becoming like Christ happens “through the work of the Holy Spirit.” It is God’s own work, through the Spirit, to bring about Christ’s character in us, and it is our calling to cooperate with God in this process. Participation in the life of Christ, by the Spirit, reproduces the character of Christ in his followers. The distinctive virtues of Christian faith are the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23).

This sort of transformation of heart, mind and spirit is not something that can be accomplished satisfactorily by individuals in isolation. Spiritual formation involves personal spiritual disciplines, such as prayer, confession, fasting, and biblical meditation, as well as corporate participation in the congregation’s shared life of worship, fellowship, teaching and service. For this reason, our definition asserts that spiritual formation takes place “in the community of faith.” Christians belong to one another as members of Christ’s body, which becomes the communal context for mutual encouragement, mentoring, and accountability. This commitment runs contrary to the highly individualistic tendency of contemporary North American culture.

The definition concludes with the affirmation that the appropriate result of spiritual formation is the Christian’s active participation in serving God and sharing in God’s work in the world. The phrase, “for the sake of the world,” reminds us that personal growth or spiritual depth involves not merely loving God, but loving our neighbours as ourselves (Lk 10:27). As people who are sent out into the world as witnesses to Christ (Jn 20:21), the mark of a genuine spiritual formation is our capacity to reflect Christ as “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Mt 5:13-14). Growth into the likeness of Christ accompanies our participation in Christ’s mission to the world, in the power of the Spirit.

“Spiritual direction,” an ancient ministry of the church, is undertaken by men and women who serve as guides for the Christian’s journey of faith. Spiritual directors accompany Christians in their pursuit of “spiritual formation” as we have described it. While there is value in spiritual friendships and ongoing Christian fellowship, the term “spiritual direction” usually refers to a more formalized, structured and intentional relationship. Through regular meetings, a spiritual director (or guide, or mentor) provides discernment, accountability and encouragement to a person seeking a disciplined response to God as someone who desires to grow spiritually, to discern God’s presence in their lives, to read God’s voice and to discover intimacy with God in prayer. These goals distinguish spiritual direction from counselling or therapy.

[Published with the title “Toward a Definition of Spiritual Formation”, May 2005, on Tyndale Seminary’s In Ministry website, this article is the collaborative effort of Gladys Chan, Jeffrey Greenman, Donald Goertz, Alan Grills, Kaarina Hsieh, David Sherbino, and Geri Schinkel.]

Spiritual Direction in a Nutshell

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It is done!

elizabeth — Sun, 25 May 2008 13:08:50 +0000

It’s rare for me to write a bloglike post, but then this is a rare occasion. May 10th marked the end of a long personal journey of attaining my Master of Divinity degree with a major in Spiritual Formation. Gérard and I traveled to Toronto for the celebration which was glorious and memorable. I sat through the ceremony with deep feelings running through my veins. A mixture of satisfaction, joy, wonder and gratitude. A realisation that just about anything is possible if you take one challenge at a time and just keep at it.

Completing this degree from across the Atlantic required an extra amount of creativity, resourcefulness and perseverance. But it is done. And I am thankful. For my husband who counted the cost with me and ever cheered me on. For the friends who affirmed God’s gifting and calling on my life. For my professors who taught and modeled the Christ-formed life. For my God who poured grace into my life in a thousand ways as he restored me from a place of discouragement into the fruitfulness of a life filled with focus and purpose.

My post-travel catch-up will wind down soon. I anticipate adding a post or two on the theme of perseverance soon, but here’s to let you know that I’ve returned to cyberspace after a brief hiatus. So stay tuned.

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Falling in Love

elizabeth — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 06:35:22 +0000

In my April 20 sermon on the contemplative tradition, I taught about responding to God’s invitation to pursue intimacy with him. God’s invitation to love him always remains an invitation. We are free to respond or not to respond, to receive and give love to the extent that we are willing and able.

But as anyone who loves knows, our love can be won. God loves us with a perfect love, untarnished by human frailty. Scripture shows us that God woos his people with his love, sincerely desiring to win our hearts.

During the worship which followed, we passed around bookmarks. This poem by Pedro Arupe is printed on one side, a take-home reminder of the challenge to fall in love with God. On the other side is 1 of 6 Scriptures, a sampling of God’s words of love to you and me.

The Poem:

Nothing is more practical
than finding God,
that is, falling in love
in a quite absolute, final way.
What you are in love with,
what seizes your imagination,
will affect everything.

It will decide
what gets you out of bed in the morning,
what you will do with your evenings,
how you will spend your weekends,
what you read,
who you know,
what breaks your heart,
and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.

Fall in love,
stay in love,
and it will decide everything.

Pedro Arrupe
Superior General of The Society of Jesus (Jesuits), 1966-1991

The Scriptures:

“I’ve loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love.” Jesus (John 15:9, The Message)

Long ago the Lord said to Israel, “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.” The Prophet Jeremiah (Jer 31:3 NLT)

“I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The Apostle Paul (Romans 8:38-39 NLT)

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” The Apostle John (1 John 3:1 TNIV)

“Come to me with your ears wide open.
Listen, and you will find life.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you.
I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.”
The Lord (Isaiah 55:3 NLT)

“How exquisite your love, O God!
How eager we are to run under your wings,
To eat our fill at the banquet you spread as you fill our tankards with Eden spring water.
You’re a fountain of cascading light,
and you open our eyes to light.” King David (Psalm 36:7-9, The Message)

The Drawing Near Course

Brother Lawrence’s Lifestyle of Worship

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Be Still

elizabeth — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 06:45:00 +0000

A centering prayer on Psalm 46:10

The following flowed out of a time of quieting my soul with this single verse from the Psalms. I share it here as an example of sitting unhurriedly with an invitation, pondering its meaning, and speaking out my response.

Be still and know that I am God.
You are God over all….loving….able….sustaining all that is.
You are God and I am not.
I acknowledge, Lord, my anxiety….my efforts to accomplish….to control….
I release them to you and choose–for this moment–to simply be still in your presence.

Be still and know that I am….
I AM….light….love….goodness….righteousness.
You are the bread of life, sufficient for my need.
The Good Shepherd, who takes care of his sheep.
You are the All-Sufficient One….enough….more than enough.
I want to rest today in your sufficiency for me.

Be still and know….
Knowledge which pauses….opens up….looks eye-to-eye….embraces.
I desire to know you more, Lord….deeper….more intimately.
Reveal yourself to me as I wait on you.

Be still ….
In this stillness I quiet my thoughts….
Still my heart ….
Notice my breathing….regulate it….slow it down a notch….
At last I am free to….

Be….
In your presence….
Savouring the silence….
Ready to hear whatever you desire to whisper into my heart today.

Here is My Heart

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Duty & Devotion

elizabeth — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:20:22 +0000

David Timms is a professor at Hope University in California. I met him 5 years ago and have subscribed to his weekly e-letter ever since. He is an ever thoughtful writer who speaks pastorally and prophetically to leaders in our culture. Here’s a recent article that especially resonates with me.

“Apart from love, obedience is simply an act of obligation.
As a response to love, duty becomes an act of devotion.”
David Benner, Surrender to Love, p.64.

Occasionally I see fully devoted followers of Christ. Occasionally I am one. Just occasionally.

It’s not that I don’t read Scripture, pray, attend church services, give, serve others, and even preach and teach. It’s that I don’t love—not sufficiently, not consistently, not deeply, not unreservedly, yet. And love forms the foundation for true devotion.

It’s relatively easy to structure my life around duty. I’ve spent my lifetime working hard to meet the expectations of others. Those of us who struggle to say “No” place high importance on the opinions and approval of others. We do our duty to receive their admiration.

But “fully devoted” and “deeply dutiful” reflect different sources.

As Jesus faced the journey toward Jerusalem, He did so out of devotion not duty. He faced His approaching death not from obligation—some divine plan that must be accomplished, no questions asked—but because He loved so deeply; His Father, us. He did not endure the cross to fulfill His duty but to display His devotion.

Richard Foster describes spiritual disciplines as “those things we can do, that allow God to enable us to do what we cannot do, such as loving our enemies.” Thus, all the external rites, rituals and habits that we call Christian have two goals; enablement and intimacy.

Disciplines done out of duty fail to touch the heart and inevitably collapse for most of us. Indeed, the lover never considers time given to his Beloved a “discipline.” Instead, love reframes it as an “opportunity.”

Devotees read Scripture not for information but transformation; not to get God’s attention but to lovingly give Him their attention. They fast (from television, food, internet, or whatever) not to impress Him but to press into Him.

The Christian journey, in its richest moments, finds its fuel not in law but in love. Our faith comes alive not with teeth-gritting determination but with loving devotion. We enter the deepest joy as we engage the heart, not just the head.

Jonathan Edwards, who lived and preached during the Great Awakening in 18th century America, noted that “throughout the Bible, true religion is placed in the affections.” Learning to love Christ, then, provides the transition from duty to devotion.

May the Father guide our journey into more consistent, deep, and unreserved love for Him. And may He shape us to become more devoted (rather than dutiful) followers of Jesus … even this week.

Access David’s archive.

Let Grace Spring Up!

Brother Lawrence’s Lifestyle of Worship

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The Gaze of the Soul

elizabeth — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:17:58 +0000

Eugene Peterson (in Subversive Spirituality) has a unique take on the Transfiguration. He sees it as an invitation to the reader to gaze on Jesus, to marvel at his beauty. I’m fascinated by the light this perspective shines on the area of spiritual formation.

The Transfiguration experience contained three elements that set it apart in all of history.

First it revealed Jesus’ glory. His face shone and his clothing was radiant. For a moment the veil of his humanity which had been shrouding his true identity was lifted. After this glimpse of Jesus’ glory, Peter, James and John were convinced beyond a doubt that he was no mere human teacher, but was the Son of God.

Secondly Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus. We know nothing of what was exchanged in their conversation, but the presence of these two particular figures speaks volumes. The Old Testament has significant things to say about the coming of Elijah and about a prophet who would be like Moses. Their appearance at this crucial time in history proclaims Jesus to be the focus and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and hopes. He is the point of the whole story. (For more, download or listen to my sermon [20-08-2006] on the event.)

Thirdly the Father’s voice confirmed Jesus definitively as the Son of God. Jesus had just begun to teach his disciples that he must suffer and die, and this affirmation told them that Jesus had not lost his marbles. The Father affirmed that this seemingly incomprehensible plan was of God. They were to listen to what he was telling them. To really listen.

Being eye-witnesses of this event made a huge impact on Peter, James and John. Peter wrote: “We were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honour and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”” (2 Peter 1:16-17) The disciples were invited into a glorious event, and their writing invites us to come alongside of them to gaze on Jesus’ majesty.

But what does this have to do with our spiritual formation? Some pretty remarkable life-transformation happens when we choose to habitually gaze on Jesus. Here are a few:

1. Our capacity for adoration grows. Learning to adore Jesus consistently requires disengaging ourselves from the distractions that tug at us. It’s an ongoing, lifetime endeavour, but nothing surpasses it. When we spend time in his presence, we receive his love and are enabled to love in return. The beauty of drawing near to Christ is perhaps what inspired Paul to write, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (1Cor 2:9).

2. We learn to respond to his voice. When we know Jesus in his beauty, majesty and glory, we want nothing more than to respond. This requires saying ‘no’ to self and ‘yes’ to obedience. Paul knew this cost of following Jesus and he wrote, “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. (Phil 3:8) Whatever pain, difficulty and sacrifice are involved in responding affirmatively to Jesus, they are all put into perspective by the wonder of knowing him. Our ‘yeses’ lead us increasingly into God’s grace and power.

3. We are transformed. This word is called a ‘cooperative action verb’. We cooperate with God by yielding to his ways and his work in our lives and, in doing so, we become transformed. We don’t produce the result ourselves but we are involved in it as cooperative covenant partners with God.

It’s fascinating that the word which is translated ‘transfigured’ in Mark 9:2 is rendered ‘transformed’ in Romans 12:2. The same Greek word is used for Christ’s transfiguration and our transformation! There is an intended connection between what happened to Jesus that day on the mountain and what God does in us. Certainly there are aspects of light, glory and transformation which will forever be unique to Jesus’ experience, but these same motifs transfer also into our experience as we choose to make a habit of gazing upon Jesus. Paul expresses this in 2 Cor 3:18: “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” What a promise that is!

Jesus told his friends not to speak of this experience on the mountain until after he had been raised from the dead. Thereafter they spoke of it freely so that all who believe in him could benefit from the amazing event. Their accounts of the Transfiguration help us to understand Jesus’ identity and the Story of God which was fulfilled in him, just as it did for Peter, James and John that day. They invite us also to follow their example by gazing regularly, lovingly and longingly upon Jesus.

So how does one get started? A.W. Tozer models how pondering God’s attributes can lead us there. Getting out in God’s creation may assist the work for the naturalists among us. Richard Baxter instructs on directing our gaze toward Jesus through the Word, and Teresa of Avila through prayer. It’s fitting that this path can’t be prescribed in 5 easy steps, but the Lord’s beauty, majesty and glory await the one who refuses to be satisfied with anything less.

The “Equipped for the Quest” series identifies useful gear and provisions for the adventure of being formed into the likeness of Christ.

Others in the set:

1. An Enthusiastic Spirit

2. A Sense of Expectancy

3. Food for Transformation

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Because He Is Risen

elizabeth — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 07:28:27 +0000

A poem for Easter by Gerard Kelly.

Because He is risen: a poem for Easter
Because he is risen
Spring is possible
In all the cold hard places
Gripped by winter
And freedom jumps the queue
To take fear’s place
as our focus
Because he is risen

Because he is risen
My future is an epic novel
Where once it was a mere short story
My contract on life is renewed
in perpetuity
My options are open-ended
My travel plans are cosmic
Because he is risen

Because he is risen
Healing is on order and assured
And every disability will bow
Before the endless dance of his ability
And my grave too will open
When my life is restored
For this frail and fragile body
Will not be the final word
on my condition
Because he is risen

Because he is risen
Hunger will go begging in the streets
For want of a home
And selfishness will have a shortened shelf-life
And we will throng to the funeral of famine
And dance on the callous grave of war
And poverty will be history
In our history
Because he is risen

And because he is risen
A fire burns in my bones
And my eyes see possibilities
And my heart hears hope
Like a whisper on the wind
And the song that rises in me
Will not be silenced
As life disrupts
This shadowed place of death
Like a butterfly under the skin
And death itself
Runs terrified to hide
Because he is risen

Gerard Kelly is the pastor of Crossroads Amsterdam. His poetry has recently been published as Spoken Worship and will soon be recorded on a live worship album.

The Passover Lamb

Gerard’s blog

Amazing Grace

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The Invitation

elizabeth — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 13:00:46 +0000

From Invitation to the Banquet by Elizabeth de Smaele.
(Previously published and moved up top for the benefit of the Drawing Near participants.)

Read the Introduction for ideas on how to get the most from this series.

Read Isaiah 55:1-2 slowly and thoughtfully, and invite God to speak to you through the text.

“A warm welcome! Please come in,” says the king. “My tables are laden with the finest of food, and my gates and doors are opened wide. Whoever desires to join the feast is welcome. Are you thirsty? Come, I have water that will satisfy. Are you hungry? Have I got a feast for you! Are you concerned about how you will pay the bill? No need. There are no bills today, for you are my invited guest.”

I’d been drawn inside the palace gates by the gracious invitation, and now look around, surveying the spacious grounds. Others have come in as well, but I’m hardly aware of their presence as we’re led through the entryway into the banquet hall. A dazzling display lies before us. Dozens of tables are set with fine linen and china, and crystal and silver sparkle in the light. As the sun beams through the windows, I see that the garden tables are set with cheerful pottery and cushioned rattan chairs are gathered around them, offering a more casual setting to enjoy the meal. The king comes inside and welcomes his guests one by one, giving us the choice of where to dine, under the chandeliers of the banquet hall or in the shaded warmth of the garden. I admire the beauty inside and out. The garden draws me, offering a comfortable place for peaceful solitude.

The buffet tables are loaded bountifully and the feast begins. I make my choice of what to sample, at first hesitantly and then lavishly, loading my plate with a fantastic array. Then I find myself a cosy chair off to the side in the garden and settle in to enjoy my meal. The first bite bursts with flavour, delighting my senses, and every mouthful does the same.

As I sit, eyes closed, savouring a bite, the king takes the seat next to me. “How is your meal?” he asks. “My compliments to the chef! I’ve never tasted anything so delicious!” “The chef continually surprises my guests with his fare, and there is never a shortage here in my house. He always serves up food that delights the palette, and no one need leave unsatisfied.”

“You know, the pleasure is mine in hosting you today. Your company is precious to me and I’d love to have you here with me everyday. Would you come often to dine?” Such a generous invitation! “Yes, Your Majesty, I would be delighted to join you here each day.”

I lingered long over the feast that day, savouring every mouthful, breathing deeply of the beauty of the surroundings, and delighting in the company of the king. Finally I said a reluctant farewell, hesitant to leave such a treasured experience, but knowing that there would be many more such times to come.

Yet in the days since, how often have I been distracted by lesser things? I’ve hurried in to grab something off the banquet table, moving too quickly to appreciate the beauty around me or to savour the food I’m offered. Sometimes I’ve passed by the palace gates without even going in, thinking more about the things that are pressing for my attention than about the One who awaits me within.

Yet he waits for me still, extending his invitation of grace. What patient love is this!

Suggestions for Contemplation

Record your Reflections
As you contemplate the scripture passages and the meditation, record your thoughts in your journal. Linger over meaningful phrases and respond to them. Allow God to speak into your heart and experience.

Consider the Responses of Others
Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.
I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods;
with singing lips my mouth will praise you.
King David, Psalm 63:3-5 (NIV)

O the deep, deep love of Jesus–vast, unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me
Underneath me, all around me, is the current of Thy love
Leading onward, leading homeward, to my glorious rest above.
S. Trevor Francis (1834-1925)

Lord, I want to value your banqueting table more than lesser things. Having tasted what is good, how can I have an appetite for anything less? Help me to stay hungry for you. Draw me in my weakness, and satsify me…daily…with yourself.
The author

Follow the Thread
Contemplate related Scriptures to shed more light on this truth:
Psalm 107:1-9
Luke 14:15-24
Revelation 19: 6-9
Psalm 19

Make it Experiential
Suggested activities to involve your whole person:
1. Pull away alone with God, your Bible and journal. Prepare a sacred space for yourself–a spot in your garden or a corner in your house or go to a beautiful place in nature. Take out your fine china and something delectable to eat, or pack a scrumptious picnic lunch for your outing. Anticipate God’s word and voice being sweeter than honey to your soul, and allow time to enjoy the feast he provides.

2. With friends or family members, put on a feast–the best you can manage with joy. Consider inviting one or two who are less fortunate, isolated or discouraged. As you’re around the table, share memories of memorable meals you have experienced. Draw the parallel with God’s banquet and his open invitation to partake. Share a scriptural truth and how it’s spoken to you. Ask God to give you insight in making it a special celebration, appropriate for those gathered.

The Lord’s Invitation to You
Is there something in particular the Lord is impressing on you? It may be a truth you feel you should respond to, something learned that you want to remember for the future, or an area you want to explore further. Record it in writing or in another medium.

Respond in Faith
Write a prayer that expresses your heart and desire in light of your reflections.

Accused!

elizabeth — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 10:49:46 +0000

An anonymous piece on Christ’s finished work on the cross

I sinned. And straightway, posthaste, Satan flew
before the presence of the Most High God,
And made a railing accusation there.
He said, “This soul, this thing of clay and sod,
Has sinned. ‘Tis true that he has named Thy name,
But I demand his death, for Thou hast said,
“The soul that sinneth, it shall die.”
Shall not Thy sentence be fulfilled? Is justice dead?
Send now this wretched sinner to his doom.
What other thing can righteous Ruler do?”
And thus he did accuse me day and night,
And every word he spoke, O God, was true!

Then quickly One rose up from God’s right hand,
Before whose glory angels veiled their eyes,
He spoke, “Each jot and tittle of the Law
Must be fulfilled; the guilty sinner dies!
But wait–suppose his guilt were all transferred
To Me, and that I paid his penalty!
Behold My hands, My side, My feet! One day
I was made sin for him, and died that he
Might be presented faultless at Thy throne!”
And Satan fled away. Full well he knew
That he could not prevail against such love,
For every word my dear Lord spoke was true!

Author unknown
Published in Basic Theology by Charles Ryrie

The Passover Lamb

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To Worship in Truth

elizabeth — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 08:46:30 +0000

Conversation at a Well, Part 3

In the last in this series we’ll look at Jesus’ words to the Samaritan woman about worshipping in truth. Once again we’ll glean insight about the meaning of these words from the flow of the conversation itself.

For starters, here’s a definition by Mark Roberts from The Worship Bible:

“To worship in truth means that we worship God as he has revealed himself. We must not create and worship an image of God fashioned according to our preferences. Genuine worship responds to God’s truthful revelation in his Word.”

John often intertwines truth with Jesus in his gospel. When Jesus came to Earth he was full of grace and truth (1:14) and he brought grace and truth (1:17). He is the truth (14:6), and it is in knowing the truth that we are set free (8:32). Here in John 4 truth is at the very heart of this conversation.

From our vantage point, we know that worshipping in truth places the revealed Jesus as the focus and recipient of our adoration. The Samaritan woman couldn’t have grasped this, but Jesus’ words have an immediate effect on her nonetheless. This effect comes from another angle, the clue to which is more apparent in the Greek text than in most English translations.

When Jesus brings the woman’s history into the open, he responds to her admission of having no husband with, “You have said this with truth” (v.18). The conversation then moves directly to the subject of true worship. Undoubtedly he intends to connect these two references to truth.

The essence of the conversation is this: You have spoken truth by saying you have no husband. Go and get your husband if you want living water to drink, but know that the Father is looking for people who will worship him in truth.

Jesus’ call is to transparency. He sees a person who has slammed shut the door of her heart, and he urges her to come out of hiding and dare to reveal what is hidden within.

There is something about Jesus that enables the woman to open up to his challenge. Laying aside her fear, she owns up to what lies in her heart and experiences a marvellous freedom as a result. We see this in her transformation as she gathers the villagers and brings them to Jesus, proclaiming that he has told her everything she has ever done.

Meanwhile something marvellous has happened within Jesus as well. His friends return with food to strengthen them after their journey, but Jesus feels no need to eat. “I have food to eat which you do not know,” he says (v.32). Satisfaction in this conversation. A life changed. A woman who’s been touched by the Master, never to be the same again. What could be more satisfying than that?

Could it be that Jesus is just as satisfied when I come and open up my heart to him, relinquishing my efforts to hide what lies within? He sees it all just as surely as he saw the woman’s secrets, and the call to transparency is for my benefit, not for his. My willingness to be truthful gives him permission to work with what lies within, however deeply buried it may be.

It might seem scary to be so transparent, but the woman at the well teaches me that there is no need to fear. My secrets–and my heart–are safe with Jesus.

When I worship in truth I fix my focus on Jesus and willingly open my heart to his gaze. He is satisfied, for he has found the kind of worshipper he is looking for. And I am set free by the Truth who has come to set me free.

The Conversation at a Well series:
Let Grace Spring Up!
To Worship in Spirit

Nurturing a Lifestyle of Worship workshop

A Lifestyle of Worship theme page

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