Worship God Where You Are

Hi and thanks for joining me with this edition of Van Life Devotions. We are in Armidale and we’re staying at the lovely Armidale Tourist Park. Armidale is halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and because it is over 1000 metres above sea level, it’s known for colourful autumn foliage. But Armidale is also known as the Cathedral City. Walking around the city streets you will find several beautiful 19th Century church buildings.

Back in those days, the walls between denominational churches were evident. Catholics and Protestants would not intermarry, and various protestant members would argue that their church was more theologically sound than others.

Jesus once had a conversation with a Samaritan woman. It’s found in John chapter 4. The lady said to Jesus, “Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem” (John 4:20 NIV). You see, the Samaritans believe that Mount Gerizim to be the place where God is worshipped as this was the place where God gave the Ten Commandments and the Laws to Moses and so in the fourth century B.C. the Samaritans built their temple on the top of Mount Gerizim. But for the Jews, they believe that Jerusalem is the city where God is to be worshipped. The walls between the Jews and the Samaritans were evident with much bickering and fighting. Jesus, though, said something profound that every generation needs to be reminded. He said to the lady, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem… Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks” (John 4:22-23 NIV). Jesus taught that God our Father is pleased with those who worship Him in the Holy Spirit as guided by the Truth of Scripture. It isn’t just about which cathedral or denomination.

As you travel, learn to worship God where you are. Just recently we had family with us as we travelled and on Sunday morning the seven of us sang to a worship song on YouTube, read some bible passages, prayed, and had communion together. It was special. You can do this too – whether it’s just on your own or with your partner. It may also be possible to join with others at a church in the town that you are visiting. Your presence at their services would encourage others, and maybe, God just may speak into your life.

Let’s pray. Thank you God for those who faithfully proclaimed the gospel and served others through these churches over the years. We pray that You may revive them for Your glory. Motivate us to worship You in Spirit and in Truth wherever we travel. O God, preserve us who travel; surround us with your loving care; protect us from every danger; and bring us in safety to our journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Leisl Moyes