Luke 4:8 And Jesus answered and said to him, Get you behind me, Satan: for it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God… Dr. Thomas Taylor similarly, but in his own original way, observes: — "God must not only be worshipped, but also served. The distinction is easily observed. For a man may in heart and gesture honour another to whom he owes but little service. And this word in the Hebrew is taken from servants, who, besides inward reverence and outward worship, owe to their masters their strength, labour, and service, yea, frank and cheerful obedience. And suppose any man have a servant who will be very complimental, and give his master cap and knee and very good words, yet when his master commands him anything, he will not do it — here is honour, but no service; and denying service, he plainly shows that his honour is but dissembled and hypocritical. So as this service to God, as to earthly masters, stands — (1) In 'fear' and reverent inward affection; (2) In dutiful and ready obedience in all holy and civil [moral] actions. For — 1. These two, God in the Scriptures hath everywhere joined together; and therefore no man may separate them. 'Oh that there were in them such an heart to "fear" his, and to keep My commandments!' (Deuteronomy 5:29). 'Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him in uprightness, else choose you: for I and my house will serve the Lord' (Joshua 24:14, 15). 'Let us hear the end of all, Fear God and keep His commandments' (Ecclesiastes 12:13), which is all one with 'fear God and serve him.' 2. This service is a fruit of fear, and a true testimony of it, for fear of God is expressed in service; and if a man would make true trial of his fear he may do it by his service." (A. B. Grosart.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. |
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