Obstacles to Proper Worship
The Greek word whose primary meaning is “worship” is “proskuneo”. This word means, “to worship, to bow down, to prostrate oneself”. Of interest is the derivation of this compound word. It comes from “pros – against” and, likely, “kuon – dog”. Oddly, this fits well. This word signals one who comes before God “to kiss toward Him, like a dog licking his master’s hand”. Therefore, the meanings, “to fawn or crouch to, to fall face down prostrate in adoration, a physical act of lowering oneself in humble submission with an attitude of utmost adoration or respect.”
This is a very intentional and submissive act that is rather hard to do fully and consistently. In a group setting, there are many distractions that we can allow to take us out of the worshipful attitude that God wants. Over some of these distractions, we have no control. However, there are some that we could and should control: looking at our phones online, writing notes to others or to self about non-worship things, sleeping, etc. There are also things that are within us that will prohibit proper worship.
We find in Matthew 20 the account of James and John asking Jesus to give her boys the prime seats in His kingdom. Jesus told her that this was not something that was proper to ask. However, as she approached Jesus, the text reveals that she was “kneeling down” (proskuneo) before Him. Her worship could not have been proper with such a selfish request in her mind. Proper worship cannot happen in a selfish heart.
Matthew 28:17 records these words about the 11 apostles (after Judas had killed himself). “When they saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some doubted”. Proper worship cannot happen in doubting heart.
In Mark 5, we read the account of Jesus casting out a legion of demons from a man who had been possessed for quite some time. The demons had such a control over him that he was not controllable by anyone else; no one could tame him. “When he saw Jesus, he ran and worshiped Him. And he cried out with a loud voice and said, ‘What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me.” (verse 6-7). This was worship of Jesus by a demon. It could not have been proper. Proper worship cannot happen in a fearful heart.
Mark records this incident among the events leading to the crucifixion of Jesus. The soldiers took Jesus to a hall so that the whole garrison could participate in mocking Jesus. They put a purple robe on Him and a crown of thorns. “Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him.”(verse 19). However, proper worship cannot happen in a mocking heart.
The Samaritan woman who encountered Jesus wanted to talk about worship. She said, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.” (John 4:19). She demonstrates that proper worship cannot happen in a traditionally-guided heart.
