Eclectic Christian

Christ on the throne

By Michael Bell

This is Part 8, of a multi-part series looking at the deity of Christ. Here are the links to the Introduction and Table of Contents.

Previously, we had looked at how Christ is confessed as God, and that every knee will bow to Christ, just as every knee will bow to God.

Bowing the knee is an act of worship, and we should note that in scripture it is something that God reserves for himself.

Exodus 34:14 (NIV) – Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

In the book of Daniel we see Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refusing to worship a false god even upon threat of death.

Daniel 3:18 (NIV) – … we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.

In Acts 10, Peter refuses Cornelius’ worship. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”

Jesus himself says that worship should only be given to God.

Matthew 4:8-10 (NIV) – Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”

Yes Jesus is consistently given worship and he freely accepts that worship throughout the Gospels:

Matthew 2:11 (NIV) – On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him…

Matthew 14:33 (NIV) – Then those who wer in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you ar the Son of God.”

Matthew 28:9 (NIV) – Suddenly, Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.

Matthew 28:17 (NIV) – When they saw him, they worshiped him, but some doubted.

Luke 24:52 (NIV) – Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.

John 9:38 (NIV) – Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.

When Christ accepts the worship which is given to him, he is accepting worship which is due to God alone. As God the Son, he is worthy of that worship, as is expressed by God himself.

Hebrews 1:6 (NIV) – And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angel’s worship him.”

God is willing to share his worship with no one else, and yet willingly shares it with his Son. This is yet another reason why we consider Jesus to be God, because as God the Son, he is worthy of worship.

That is why we can sing alongside of Tim Hughes:

Light of the world,
You step down into darkness.
Opened my eyes let me see.
Beauty that made this heart adore you
Hope of a life spent with you.

And here I am to worship,
Here I am to bow down,
Here I am to say that you’re my God,
You’re altogether lovely,
Altogether worthy,
Altogether wonderful to me.

Let us not forget that Christ is worthy of our worship.

As usual, your thoughts and comments are welcome.