A Grown Up Praise

Psalms 34:1-3; Acts 16:25-34; Matthew 15:21-28

Last month, Holiness Tabernacle joined millions of Christians around the world and observed Palm Sunday. As tradition would expect, we distributed palms to the congregants. The message the Lord deposited in me to share with the saints, however, was anything but traditional.

On that Palm Sunday, the people in Jerusalem were like youth and immature saints today. The inhabitants rejoiced and celebrated Jesus’ triumphant entrance into their city because they envisioned victory over the dreaded Romans. Surely you remember the request of James and John’s mother – that her sons would occupy prime spots at Jesus’ side (do you think she was thinking about the cross?). Even the disciples had arguments about which of them was the greatest. The Jews saw the many miracles Jesus had wrought as a foretaste of what Christ would do. If He could raise Lazarus from the grave – after four days – their deliverance over Rome was in the bag. They were not worshipping Jesus because they believed He was the Son of God. They worshipped Jesus because of what they thought they would get out of Him – it was a self-centered, carnal and immature form of worship.

I compare this level of praise to a child or adolescent. For example, most children have chores and many parents have to beg, beat or negotiate with their kids every week for them to perform their duties. Now imagine if you arrive home one day to discover that your child has done all of his or her chores and more without even being asked. Not only did they wash the dishes, they cleaned their room, dusted, mopped and vacuumed the floors, and took out the trash. You barely have the thank you out of your mouth when they interrupt, “…can I go to the movies?”  Or, “…can I have some extra money to go to the mall?” They didn’t do their chores because they wanted to contribute more to the household. They did not do extra work out of the goodness of their hearts. They were thinking about themselves. Today’s immature saint does similar.

Many people come to church only out of obligation or because they want something material from God. Some even pray, “…okay God, I went to church today. When do I get the job?” Our dedication and praise to God is contingent upon what we can get out of Him; I am reminded of how Jesus addressed the people, “…ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves…” (John 6:26). However, there is something the Spirit identified to me as a “grown-up praise.” So what is a grown-up praise?

When David penned the 34^th Psalm, he was not in the temple, he was not in Jerusalem, and he wasn’t even king. Rather, he was an outlaw on the run from King Saul. David found refuge in the camp of the wicked King Abimelek of Gath. To obtain safe haven, David let drool run down his mouth and pretended to be crazy. After seeing David’s behavior, Abimelek laughed and mocked David. Although in adverse conditions, David saw this as a perfect opportunity to bless the Lord. That’s what I call a grown-up praise! 

Consider Paul and Silas. Beaten and locked up in the inner jail, these two men held praise and worship service. I have never read where either of these men complained about unfavorable treatment. I never read where either of these men even asked God to set them free. What I do read is where these men began to praise and worship so that their sounds of joy reached heaven, and God shook the cell doors open. They were so captivated with their praise, that they didn’t leave and neither did the other prisoners! Even the jailer asked to join the service. Now that’s what I call a grown-up praise!

Have you ever read where the Canaanite woman came to Jesus seeking help for her daughter? At first the disciples attempted to keep her away. Then Jesus ignored her request. When He finally responded, He called her a dog. She did not get angry, but replied that even the dogs deserve the crumbs that fall from the table. She then worshipped Him. Jesus responded that not only did she have great faith, but her worship, when the response was so harsh, resulted in her daughter’s healing! Again, that’s what I call a grown-up praise!

Friends, why do you serve God? Why do you worship God? Why do you attend church? Is it only to appease your conscience? Is it only because you want to prove to God that you are good and deserve something from Him? Are your prayers full of, “…God I want this, this and this” or, “…God, if you give me this, I will do this.”?  That sounds a lot like the Jews must have sounded to Jesus that first Palm Sunday: “…Jesus, we’re worshipping you now because we know you are going to save us from these cruel Romans.”  Once they learned that was not the purpose of His ministry, the same people who worshipped Him on Palm Sunday cried, “let Him be crucified!” on Good Friday, only five days later. When God does not give you the answer you want, when you want it, does your worship and commitment decrease? If you have a few setbacks, do you contemplate quitting on God? That sounds a bit selfish and immature.

I challenge you today: let’s love God for who He is – King of kings and Lord of lords! Let’s serve God in season and out of season! Let’s learn to be content whether we have or whether we have not! Let’s learn to praise God at all times and let His praise continuously be in our mouths! Let’s start today to give God a grown-up praise!

I bless you in the name of the Lord!

Pastor Eddie B Pruitte, Jr.
Holiness Tabernacle COGIC, Pastor and Founder