Proper Worship

“And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light...And when the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were much afraid.” Matthew 17:2,6

In an instant, Peter, James, and John saw their Friend and Teacher as they had never seen Him before. Just a moment earlier, Jesus stood beside them in the plain clothes of a humble workman. Then, suddenly, He shone forth in brilliant, dazzling light like the sun, and His clothing glowed like fire.

What was the disciples’ reaction? Immediate worship. “While he [Peter] was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and...a voice out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son...’ And when the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were much afraid.” Matthew 17:5-6

As God’s glory engulfed them, they were stricken with a sense of His absolute holiness and prostrated themselves before Him, the Almighty Lord of all.

At first, Peter was focused on human effort, what they could do in their own strength to show their love. But Jesus had a bigger plan. The moment that Peter saw Him “unveiled” as Sovereign God, his worship was transformed and centered on God alone.

How do you worship God? Do you recognize Him as the holy, all-powerful Lord of your life and submit to Him without reservation? You worship God properly when you see Him as He is.