A book has been written which contains an unusual surprise in the first chapter. It invites people to ‘stop praying’. At first glance this is a bit disturbing but it becomes apparent that the writer is giving helpful advice about respecting God for who he is and our relationship to him. Similarly, in this passage we find a warning being given to the people.

The warning is about two common mistakes that are made in giving to God the reverence he deserves … worship. The first one is about going through the motions in a routine way instead of standing in awe of God. The second one is when people fail to appreciate who he really is as the Creator and the One who has made us. This leads to what is known as ‘man made’ worship. It occurs when people regard themselves, and what they think is right, instead of trusting in God.

The solution for all of this is given at the end of the passage where the people are told that they will respect who God is as being holy and will stand in awe of him.  It is also the outcome when we realise what he has done to save us by sending his redeemer, Jesus Christ. When we rightly understand, and trust in, what he has accomplished at the cross, and in his resurrection, then we will truly worship God.