There is a game farm in our region which advertises, “Slimed, Kissed, Slobbered.” After the first time we took our family through quite a number of years ago, we kidded you could tell what vehicles had gone through by the green slime streak down the side. Yes, they had been “Slimed, Kissed, Slobbered” on by the animals there. Though kissing is generally considered an affectionate action, I’m not sure about the kissing at that game farm.
Where am I going with this? Consider what God spoke to His people during the days of Hosea where we read. . .
“(1) When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling; he was exalted in Israel, but he incurred guilt through Baal and died. (2) And now they sin more and more, and make for themselves metal images, idols skillfully made of their silver, all of them the work of craftsmen. It is said of them, “Those who offer human sacrifice kiss calves!” (3) Therefore they shall be like the morning mist or like the dew that goes early away, like the chaff that swirls from the threshing floor or like smoke from a window.” (Hosea 13:1-3 ESV)
Kissing was a way of paying homage and that was a part of Baal worship. (note also the reference in 1 Kings 19:18) Here was a time when the worship of God’s people was not properly directed toward Him!
Through His prophet, God went on to state. . .
(4) But I am the Lord your God from the land of Egypt; you know no God but me, and besides me there is no savior.” (Hosea 13:4 ESV)
There was where their worshipful focus should have centered. That is where ours ought to as well. God is the One we are to reveal we know as we are affectionately drawn toward Him Who loved us first. (1 John 4:19)
When the magi saw the star, they traveled to see the Christ, the newborn King of the Jews, so they could “worship” Him. (Matthew 2:2) When we “worship” in spirit and in truth, we are duly drawn to “worship” as we ought. (John 4:23-24) And it is significant to note the Greek word translated “worship” in those passages is from “proskuneo” which is defined as “to worship, to bow down, to prostrate oneself”, but is literally a reference meaning to “kiss toward” [“pros” (towards) and “kuneo” (to kiss)]. Our true worship is a sign of our deep affection to God as a “kiss toward” Him! May the homage of our heart and life be ever given up to Him as we appreciate being in the embrace of His steadfast love!
Have a great day TRULY IN LOVE WITH THE LORD GOD!
Carl
