Ever since returning to the States from our trip to St. Croix, I’ve been pondering Jesus’ desire to have worship from every nation, from real people. Even when I was flying over islands in the plane, and then later sitting in my living room, I was feeling a small portion of the heart of Jesus to see people from every tribe, tongue, and nation give the glory that is due His name.
John Piper gives a stunning quote that sums up what I am feeling. “Missions exist because worship doesn’t.” Worship, adoration, glory and honor to Jesus is not only the end (we will do worship forever!) but is the means to the end too (we will worship Jesus until He comes back to the earth). The purpose of missions is to witness of the joy of making Jesus supreme in our worship and in our lives, and then have many come to the same conclusion. Our worship is love and agreement to Him and His ways.
Malachi 1:11 says this:
“For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down,
My name shall be great among the Gentiles;
In every place incense shall be offered to My name,
And a pure offering;
For My name shall be great among the nations,”
Says the Lord of hosts.”
The King Jesus sees our prayer and worship as a sweet incense or offering before Him. It is a promise that among ALL of the nations, there will be a portion of people who give their time and energy to bring forth worship and love to Him. Jesus desires and longs for His name to be glorified and adored from every place, because He is longing for agreement upon the earth. A few Psalms give a greater picture of this worship and end time prophecy that will come to pass. There is no question about IF He will be worshiped or not in all the nations, but the question is WHEN.
“All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord, And all the families of the nations shall worship before You.” Psalm 22:27
“All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, And shall glorify Your name.” Psalm 86:9
As I contemplate this, I see that Jesus truly sees my small little “all” that I give to Him in worship, and He sees this as love and incense.
Next time you mutter a prayer or sing a song or even take a glance toward the Lord during your day, picture yourself as a good smelling fragrance that is lofting up in it’s aromas into the presence of God:) It’s true! He sees and loves your worship!
-Bethany