Editorial October 21, 1939 Issue

"We know what we worship"

Duncan Sinclair

It was on the occasion of his meeting with the woman at the well in Sychar of Samaria that Jesus said (John 4:22), "Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship," following up his words by declaring (v. 24), "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." Being aware that the woman was ignorant of the true nature of God, Jesus was desirous that she should be correctly informed; hence his inspired declaration. God is Spirit and Truth, and as such He must be worshiped. The incident as John records it had a simple setting, but how momentous it was; for the nature of God had been revealed to men, had been made known definitely to them. It was important also as showing that the Master was in possession not of mere belief in God, but of an understanding of Him which was accurate, uncontaminated by the arguments of false material sense.

Christ Jesus knew what he worshiped; and it was his mission to impart his knowledge to mankind. This he did; and he also proved that what he taught was true, by putting it to the test. What was this test? It was twofold. First, his teaching produced on those who heard him with receptive hearts the conviction that he spoke with the authority of one who was assured of the truth of which he spoke. Secondly, his works of healing corroborated his teaching. Mark recounts (1:22) that, in Capernaum, "they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes." The narrative goes on to say that, even as he taught in the synagogue, he healed "a man with an unclean spirit," saying, "Hold thy peace, and come out of him." Christ Jesus knew what he worshiped, even God, Spirit and Truth. He knew that the law of God is ever available; and through obedience to that law he overcame all manner of evil beliefs.

On page 587 of "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" Mary Baker Eddy gives the following definition of God: "The great I am; the all-knowing, all-seeing, all-acting, all-wise, all-loving, and eternal; Principle; Mind; Soul; Spirit; Life; Truth; Love; all substance; intelligence." What a comprehensive definition! Could it be made plainer that God is All-in-all; that all knowledge, activity, wisdom, love belong to Him; that He is the source of all intelligence; that He is the only true substance? God is self-existent Being, the cause or creator of all that really exists, the sustainer of all that really exists, the governor of all that really exists—man and the universe.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

"We know what we worship"

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access