Devotional: Do You Cross Over?

When we think of the phrase “crossing over”, many different images tend to pop into our heads. Perhaps we would think of a bridge or a crosswalk that helps us get to the other side of a road or a river. Or maybe we would think about a crossover SUV, like a Toyota RAV-4 or Honda CRV. Maybe we even think about Michael Jordan crossing over a defender while watching The Last Dance. However, in the Kingdom of God, the type of “crossing over” that we must do is in the realm of worship.

Crossing over in worship involves what John talks about in his gospel: “spirit and truth.” Worship is not just an act that we perform, or a song that we sing. Rather as A.W. Tozer says, it is “in the union of the spirit of man with the Spirit of God.” True worship does not mean “imitation” of a certain practice, but rather the spiritual intimacy of the human heart connecting with the heart of God the Father. That is true worship. 

Questions for Meditation

1. What does it mean to “cross over” in worship? How do other common images of “crossing over” relate to this?
2. The context of John 4:23-24 is that Jesus is talking to the Samaritan woman at the well. What is the significance of Jesus talking to her specifically about worship “in spirit and truth?” What does this say about what “true worship” is all about?
3. Pastor Toledo defines worship as “prostrating oneself or bowing; reaching from our hearts and from our spirit in adoration, praise and surrender.” What would it look like for you to exhibit this kind of worship in practice?
4. Pastor Toledo lists four common reasons why we don’t cross over in worship: shame, tradition/ritual, pride, and fear of the unknown. Which of these do you struggle with the most? What would it look like for you to cross over in your worship in those specific areas?
5. How does true worship bring freedom? What are some examples in your life where worship brought you this freedom?
6. Psalm 92:1-2 talks about worshipping God in the morning and at night. What would it look like for you to cross over in your worship throughout your day?