The Vision (5/31/12): O come, let us worship and bow down

Image:  Smokin' Joe Frazier

In last Sundays’ message on Psalm 95 we meditated on the attitude we should have in worship knowing that we are coming “before his presence” (v. 2).  Psalm 95 summons worshippers to bow down before Jehovah and to kneel before him (v. 6).  The physical posture of humility reflects an inner, spiritual quality of humility.  This psalm teaches us that we are to approach the Lord’s presence with lowliness.

In this regard, I noted an anecdote told by theologian Carl Trueman of Westminster Seminary.  Trueman tells of how as a boy he had grown up as an enthusiastic boxing fan.  When he first moved to Philadelphia from England, he was excited about the possibility of meeting Philadelphia resident and boxing legend Joe Frazier.  He tried to email Frazier to set up a meeting but never heard back.  Then one day he went to his local YMCA to exercise, and who was there but Smokin’ Joe Frazier.  Trueman wrote of their encounter in a blog post:

So, what does the sad non-entity say when suddenly in the presence of greatness, of the man who probably had the most lethal left-hook of his generation. The answer? `Yo, Joe, how ya doin'?' ? No. More like `Sir, it's an honour to meet you, sir, Mr Frazier, sir.' Faced with the awesome presence of the former world champ, I responded with stammering, barely coherent awe as I shook his hand and paid internal homage.

Trueman goes on to make the point that if he could be filled with awe in the presence of Frazier, a mere man, how much more should we be filled with awe in the presence of our Maker.   When we meet with God it is not trivial matter.  It is no casual matter.  We are in the presence of our King!  “O come, let us worship and bow down…..”

Grace and peace, Pastor Jeff Riddle