Premeditated Worship (Matthew 2)

 If you have ever made or done something according to a plan, you might say it was, “premeditated.”  In other words, you thoroughly contemplated what you would do, and made the decision well beforehand (cf. Mark 13:11).  Such was the case with the wise men and with Herod at the birth of Jesus.  Upon seeing “his star” (cf. Num. 24:17) the wise men made the decision to go and worship Him (Mat. 2:2).  Their premeditated plan was to show deep reverence for the new King.  So, when Herod learned of their intent, he sent them to Bethlehem saying, “when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also” (Mat. 2:8b).  Unfortunately, Herod’s premeditation was murder (Mat. 2:16).

These attitudes are not so different from those in the world today.  There are those (like the wise men) who have premeditated on God’s Word and decided they will bow down to the Almighty bringing their best to Him in faithful worship (Mat. 2:11; cf. John 4:24).  On the other hand, there are some with ulterior motives who are just as hypocritical and insincere as Herod (Col. 2:23).

Premeditated Worship that Saves: 

• Exalts God & His Word Over Man (Acts 10:25,26; Psa. 119:161)
• Follows God’s Doctrinal Pattern (Acts 2:42; Rom. 6:17)—this includes singing (Eph. 5:19), giving (1 Cor. 16:1,2), preaching (2 Tim. 4:2), partaking the Lord’s Supper (Acts 20:7), and praying (1 Tim. 2:1-5).
• Flows From a Humble & Loving Heart (Mat. 22:37; James 4:8-10)

 Premeditated Worship that Kills: 

• Exalts the Commandments of Men over God (Mat. 15:8,9)
• Follows After Deceitful Doctrines (Eph. 4:14; 1 Tim. 4:1,2)
• Flows From a Boastful and Selfish Heart (James 4:2,3; Psa. 94:4)

“But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him” (John 4:23).

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