The idea of a jealous God is from the Old Testament. Scripture also mentions that God is worthy of our worship and praise, so we assume that He needs our constant adulation. We have inadvertently projected our own egotistical and narcissistic tendencies onto God.
God deserves to be praised. When our hearts are turned toward God in worship, we tend to focus less on ourselves and our circumstances. Adoration of God is for our benefit, not His.
In modern Christian circles, “Praise and Worship” is equated with exuberant singing in church. This is not what I mean when I use these words. I prefer the word adoration because it brings to mind the Catholic practice of silently, reverentially, staying before God. It is an interior act that fills me with awe.
“Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It's way over our heads. We'll never figure it out.
Is there anyone around who can explain God?
Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do?
Anyone who has done him such a huge favor that God has to ask his advice?
Everything comes from him;
Everything happens through him;
Everything ends up in him.
Always glory! Always praise!” (Romans 11:33-36 MSG)
Adoration is a compelling word which takes our praise and worship to a more holy room, methinks.
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