Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. (Matthew 28: 16-17)
Why doesn’t everyone include verses 16 and 17 in the “Great Commission?” I suspect because these two verses include topics rarely discussed in the lives a disciple: obedience and doubt. Thursday we began to discuss doubt. This week why not meditate on worship in the midst of doubt?
Imagine the scene around the resurrected Jesus: his best friends giving him worship in a private setting, yet in some minds and hearts there was still doubt. Yet their doubt did not disqualify them. He still received them, and he gave the “Great Commission.”
Doubt is a solitary struggle. Most expressions of worship are outward: we sing, kneel, pray, dance, bow, read, listen, and fellowship. Others see our actions, but this passage reminds us Jesus knows our hearts and thoughts as well. What kind of doubts did some of the disciples have? Matthew does not tell us. We are left to speculate: perhaps, “I don’t belong here . . . I denied the Lord . . . Have I gone mad? . . . Is this really Jesus? . . . What will he require of me?” I believe their worship was sincere; so were their doubts.
The doubting disciples had obeyed. They had made their way to Galilee, just as Jesus instructed. Jesus did not turn away the doubters, he received their worship and included them in his mission. Disobedience would have kept them from hearing his voice; doubt did not.
What if worship is giving all of ourselves to God--even the parts that struggle to believe, to trust, to surrender? Perhaps that day the doubters discovered Isaiah’s description of Jesus was true: “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.” (Matt. 12:20)
Earlier in his ministry Jesus told his friends, “true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.” Some people have interpreted "truth" to mean "doctrine," but what if Jesus also meant the truth about ourselves? Here’s a meditation worthy for the week: can I bring my doubts as an act of worship?
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ReplyDeleteGod Bless You ~Ron
What if worship is giving all of ourselves to God--even the parts that struggle to believe, to trust, to surrender? This is my Favorite quote and it really makes me thing WOW!!! I never looked at it this way.Worship helps me get by each and everydaY WITH MY STRUGGLES and with the presence of God... anything possiable. I read the one about the pavement of Gold and she I do believe with God's Presence this could happen and shine like glass. When it talks about economics and how if we had enough on earth...it would be amazing because many homeless people need help.
ReplyDeletePerhaps that day the doubters discovered Isaiah’s description of Jesus was true: “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.” (Matt. 12:20)
"The doubting disciples had obeyed...disobedience would have kept them from hearing his voice; doubt did not."
ReplyDeletei love it! I love it! I truly love it!
But doubt can harden the heart toward unbelief.
ReplyDeleteBut doubt can harden the heart toward unbelief.
ReplyDeleteWhat if worship is giving all of ourselves to God--even the parts that struggle to believe, to trust, to surrender? This is my Favorite quote and it really makes me thing WOW!!! I never looked at it this way.Worship helps me get by each and everydaY WITH MY STRUGGLES and with the presence of God... anything possiable. I read the one about the pavement of Gold and she I do believe with God's Presence this could happen and shine like glass. When it talks about economics and how if we had enough on earth...it would be amazing because many homeless people need help.
ReplyDeletePerhaps that day the doubters discovered Isaiah’s description of Jesus was true: “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.” (Matt. 12:20)