I’m going through the book of Acts right now. I love Acts—so much so that I am seriously thinking we need to go through this as a church—verse by verse by verse—not missing a thing.
One of the reasons I’m feeling this way is because the church (worldwide) so often seems to be on a different planet than what God intended. And after studying the book of Acts I think any local body of believers would find themselves convicted to make some changes—course corrections if you will.
Ok, ok, I ramble. Let me give you one example. In chapter 10 of this great book there is a man named Cornelius who really wants to follow God—He’s a seeker in every sense of the word. Because of this, God hears his prayers and sends an angel to tell him what to do next. At the same time, over in the town of Joppa, Peter is having a vision that will change the course of Christianity forever. He is having a vision about how God loves all people and wants Gentiles to know He dies for them as well.
Bear with me. This all ties together.
Well, turns out that what the angel wanted Cornelius to do was to send for Peter. So Cornelius—who is a high ranking officer in the Roman army—sends a couple of his men to ask Peter to come to him. Peter does, and it’s what happens next that I want you to see.
As Peter enters the home of Cornelius, Cornelius does a curious and inappropriate thing. He falls to his knees and bows down to Peter as though to worship him.
PETER! A fisherman dude!
What do you suppose Peter does next? I know what a lot of religious leaders today would do. Let’s take a look at a few of these common responses before seeing how Peter handled it.
Today, when people attempt to give praise, adulation or even worship to “men of God” (and I use those quotes ever so loooooooosly) here are some reactions I’ve actually witnessed…
- After hearing nonstop applause when he came to the stage, I’ve seen one guy pump his fist and yell, “We rock!” (But I’m pretty sure he meant, “I rock!”)
- I’ve seen a guy dressed in an all white suit on TV slay people in the spirit with dance moves (just embarrassing—and wrong on so many levels).
- I’ve heard a Christian singer rationalize her affairs because so much is demanded of her and the pressure is so great from all her fans (by ‘fans’ I’m pretty sure she means, ‘worshipers’).
- I’ve seen pastors enter the stage with an entourage that would make Madonna jealous.
- I’ve heard of pastors who feel they are so important they need myriad of bodyguards (even though no one has ever threatened them or indicated in any way that they are in danger).
And I’ve seen a whole lot more.
Now, contrast this with how Peter reacts to the mere attempt to worship him…
Acts 10:23–26 The next morning he got up and went with them. Some of his friends from Joppa went along. A day later they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had his relatives and close friends waiting with him. The minute Peter came through the door, Cornelius was up on his feet greeting him—and then down on his face worshiping him! Peter pulled him up and said, “None of that—I’m a man and only a man, no different from you.”
Hmm. Is it just me, or does this seem different?
No, it’s not just me. This is a whole nother universe from how people handle worship today.
Cornelius starts worshiping Peter and in less than a nano-second, Peter is jerking him to his feet and rebuking him for elevating him to the place of God! You get that? In a fraction of a second—the very first moment Peter’s brain processes what he’s seeing, actual worship and adoration meant for God and God alone—and Peter interrupts the process in horror. Then Peter says what about himself what too few today realize about themselves…
”I am just a man.”
In other words, “God is God and I am not!” God deserves your worship, applause, praise and devotion—not me. I’ve no different than you and don’t ever forget it!
It’s worship interrupted.
Many preachers and youth leaders, musicians and Christian artists of all kinds today need to stop allowing people to elevate them to the place of God. And the next time they experience it they’d do well to interrupt it and steer it in God’s direction.
If not?
Well, let’s just say I would rather be a key on a string connected to Benjamin Franklin’s kite than that guy.
I’m just saying.
* Hey Brookies, on another note. I miss the peeps in Monroe! How you all doing, Monroe Brookies?
Not gonna answer?
Ok, then I’m coming to you. THIS Sunday at 11:00, live.
See you there!