What's Your Cause?

Matthew the Evangelist writes in his Gospel: "Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God" (Matthew 14:33)

Here are some questions to ponder: What caused the disciples of Jesus Christ to worship Him? Was it the miracle they had just witnessed beginning in verse 13?

The disciples said, "... Of a truth thou art the Son of God." I mean, what more did proof did they need? They said ... "of a truth ...." Really?

If the disciples needed a miracle to inspire or motivate their worship, they had just witnessed a powerful miracle of the feeding of the multitude with a young boy's lunch before embarking on their boat trip. Now, I don't assume to know Matthew's intent; however allow me some liberty here with a thought. But, could it be that Matthew was describing our faith's cycle? It's this: up and down. High faith on Sunday, then low faith on Monday. We're on top of the world proclaiming the wonder working power of Almighty God, then we're in the valley asking God why I'm in this valley of darkness. He answered this prayer right away, but then I'm still waiting on other prayers to be answered. Our faith is high one day, then our faith is low the next. Up and down on the "Roller Coaster of Faith." Have you ever been on this ride? I'm sure you have. We all have been on this ride.

The disciples had seen the absolute, undeniable proof of the Deity of Jesus Christ (who is God Almighty!) at His feeding of the hungry multitude. The disciples' faith was at an all-time high! Yet, here they were scared and frightened probably chewing their fingernails off by a presumed ghost appearing in the midst of the terrible storm. Hey disciples ... you just witnessed what God can do: He just miraculously provided for the masses a delicious fish and chips dinner! The best they've ever had and will ever taste!

After His powerful miracle of another miracle, the disciple proclaimed, "...Of a truth thou art the Son of God." Perhaps the phrase "of a truth" indicated some hint of doubt in the disciples' mind.

Here's what I'm trying to convey. Although some people seem to need a massive, eye-popping miracle to excite their response in worship or praise, we as Apostolic Pentecostal Spirit-filled Christians should be mature spiritually to the place where our worship is spontaneous whether or not we witness miraculous demonstration of the mighty hand of God.

He heals me, I worship. He doesn't heal me, I worship.

He takes the pain away, I worship. He doesn't take the pain away, I worship.

He answer my prayer right away, I worship. He doesn't answer my prayer when I think He ought to, I worship.

He opens the door, I worship. He closes the door, I worship.

On Monday, worship Jesus Christ. On Tuesday, worship Jesus Christ. If you worship Jesus only on Wednesday and Sundays, you're missing the whole point of living for Him!

On the mountain top, worship Jesus Christ. In the valley, worship Jesus Christ. Here's some insight about the valley: the valley has the power to draw you closer to Him.

We should worship the Lord because the Word of God commands us to do so, and we should always worship Him simply because Jesus is worthy of our worship, and especially our praise.

The 150th Psalm verse 6 declares, "Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD."

Even if there is no quick miracle, we should continously praise Him. Even when there is no one present to urge us on ... press us on ... cheer us on in our worship. Genuine worship comes from one's deep love for Him even in the midst of the storm, problem, and challenging circumstance.

What's your cause for worshipping Him?

Thanks for reading. God bless.

Pastor Charles Gonzales