WORSHIP GOD OUT OF LOVE NOT FEAR

By Michael Benson Ajayi

Matt 19:14 KJV  “But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”

           Jesus had a special spot for children as seen in this scripture; the disciples were still influenced by the doctrines of the old covenant which was driven by the fear for God. Under the Old Testament priests were untouchable and places of worship where a no-go area Heb12:20-22. This informed how the Pharisees desired to be treated ;the scripture says in Matt 23:5-7 “Their lives are perpetual fashion shows, embroidered prayer shawls one day and flowery prayers the next. They love to sit at the head table at church dinners, basking in the most prominent positions, preening in the radiance of public flattery, receiving honorary degrees, and getting called 'Doctor' and 'Reverend.' (Message Bible) .

               Therefore, the bringing of children for prayers unceremoniously was sacrilegious according to Old Testament standards. Jesus disabused their minds to these dogma by saying ‘such is the kingdom of Heaven’ meaning we are in a new dispensation where were God desires to be loved not feared .

                   The Old Testament was a school teacher that guided humanity to see the need for a saviour. The laws were impossible to be fulfilled by man (Eccl7:20,Gal 2:16), only Jesus could fulfill the dictates of the laws of the Old Testament. The scriptures says in Gal  3:24-26 “… The Jewish laws were our teacher and guide until Christ came to give us right standing with God through our faith. But now that Christ has come, we don't need those laws any longer to guard us and lead us to him. For now we are all children of God through faith in Jesus Christ,”  As children , we have access to our heavenly Father without going through the protocols like servants . We are as precious to God just as Jesus is to Him therefore, it is improper to worship in cringing fear if we must enjoy the benefits of the salvation experience. The scriptures say  Rom 8:15-17 AMP “For [the Spirit which] you have now received [is] not a spirit of slavery to put you once more in bondage to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption [the Spirit producing sonship] in [the bliss of] which we cry, Abba (Father)! Father! The Spirit Himself [thus] testifies together with our own spirit, [assuring us] that we are children of God.  And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him];”

             The Old Testament did not create room for intimacy with God thus followers did not sought to understand the bases for following the law. They just did as they were told. They were driven by the fear of failure; likewise those who seek to live by such laws have a slavery mentality and are always in fear. This is the reason why religious folks easily fall victim of emotional abuse from the likes of the Pharisees and false prophets. They willfully accept oppression as an act of worship believing such abuse by priests or prophets is a way of atoning for their sins.

             The New Testament is a love oriented and is driven by the spirit of wisdom and revelation of the will of God in our hearts as dear children. The scripture says in Heb 10:16-18 NKJV "This is the covenant that I will make with them … I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them," then He adds, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.” Your sins have been forgiven you; therefore approach the Father with love ; He cares for you..   

counseling/ prayer +234 8098536911,,(partnership)+234 8035536911

email: michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com