The Heart of Worship
Scripture Reading — Luke 24:45-53
He lifted up his hands and blessed them.
—Luke 24:50
What is central in your life today? For some people, it’s a spouse, child, or other loved one. For others, it’s power, money, fame, or all of these. Maybe for still others, it’s world peace, feeding the hungry, or dismantling racism. For Christians, the central thing in our lives is Jesus. When it really comes down to what makes us get up each day, it’s that Jesus is central; he’s the heart of our worship.
In today’s verses we encounter Jesus at the end of his earthly journey, ready to return to the Father. He reminds his disciples of what their mission will be when he is no longer with them. His message is simple: they are to be his witnesses. Then Jesus lifts up his hands and blesses them.
What an affirmation! Jesus entrusts his disciples to live and teach the gospel in spite of their faults and failures. The disciples, as they watch Jesus taken into heaven, are near bursting with joy and an unforgettable experience with the Master.
Luke writes, “Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.” They knew the heart of worship was the ascended Christ as the center of their joy.
What is the center of your life? Is it Jesus, the one who gives you joy in all circumstances? Come to the heart of worship, where it’s all about Jesus.
Master, many things compete for my worship. Center my heart on you, Jesus, for you are the only one who can bring me the joy that really lasts. Amen.
About the author — Reginald Smith
Dr. Reginald Smith is senior pastor at Roosevelt Park Community Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he has served for seventeen years. He has also served as a pastor in Paterson, New Jersey. He and his wife, Sharon, have three daughters, Janelle, Katrina, and Mariah.
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