Why God Is Worthy

Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!

Revelation 15:3

Our English word worship is derived from the Old English weorthscipe, literally, “worthship.” It was a word that meant “worthiness” or an “acknowledgment of worth.” People today have ascribed worth to all sorts of things, thereby worshiping them and the people who possess them: wealth, appearance, position, and talent—among other things. But throughout Scripture, God is worshiped for two reasons: His perfection (who He is) and His ways (what He has done).

It’s possible for the term worship to be loosely applied in Christian circles. There is a need to keep worship focused on the object of the Christian’s love: the triune God—Father, Son, and Spirit. Whenever the apostle John caught a glimpse of worship in heaven, the songs were always about who God is and what He has done. For instance, in Revelation 15:3-4, God is called “Lord God Almighty,” “King,” and “holy.” He is praised for His “works,” “ways,” and “judgments.”

In your personal worship this week, remember to praise God for who He is and for what He has done in your life—a simple outline for ascribing worthiness to Him.

What or whom we worship determines our behavior.

JOHN MURRAY