Worship can divide people. It shouldn’t. When Jesus, a Jewish itinerate Rabbi encounters a Samaritan woman with a difficult marital history, the conversation comes around to worship. And really who is to be worshipped.
The questions and answers are handed down to children, taught to all ages, and ultimately asked of all those capable of making informed decisions to do just that: choose how and where you will worship! We take into consideration geography, ethnicity, personality, language, and personal tastes. Jesus, however, keeps it fairly simple. Worship in Spirit and Truth.
I suspect that Spirit and Truth are found in tens of thousands of worshipping congregations. I have to decide on somewhere. I should always watch and listen for Spirit and Truth. A tall order but people do just that year in and year out. When you depart from worship has the Spirit been felt in Word, song, and fellowship? Has Truth found its way into your heart and mind? Do they go with you throughout the week as a result of worship? Each of us must respond.
Personally I am at home in United Methodist worship. But I can also feel at home to some degree in most churches. I enjoy the beauty of much in Catholic services. I can appreciate the simple acapella singing in Churches of Christ. I can get “in the spirit” in some Pentecostal services. And I know the calming of quiet meditative serenity of Friends meetings and others committed to services of prayer and meditation. I have found most of the above in our United Methodist churches at some point. So I will likely stay home!! However, I do draw the line at “snake handling” and believe this expression is a misinterpretation of Mark 16:17, 18. And I am not much for “running up and down the aisles” in a church either! Both seem to “stretch” the idea of Spirit AND Truth!
This Sunday we will hear of the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman and see what and Who is at stake in worship! Bring all of who you are to worship (but no snakes and no running in the aisles)!
Pastor Barry