Extravagant worship refers to acts of devotion and adoration towards God that are characterized by their lavishness, wholeheartedness, and often sacrificial nature. This form of worship is marked by an outpouring of love and reverence that goes beyond the ordinary, reflecting a deep commitment and gratitude towards the Creator. The Bible provides several examples of extravagant worship, illustrating how individuals have expressed their devotion in ways that are both profound and costly.

Biblical Examples:

1. Mary of Bethany Anointing Jesus: One of the most poignant examples of extravagant worship is found in the account of Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus with expensive perfume. In John 12:3 , it is recorded, "Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." This act was not only costly in terms of the monetary value of the perfume but also demonstrated Mary's deep love and recognition of Jesus' impending sacrifice.

2. David's Dance Before the Ark: King David's exuberant worship as he brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem is another example. In 2 Samuel 6:14 , it states, "And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD." David's uninhibited expression of joy and reverence, despite the criticism from his wife Michal, highlights the sincerity and depth of his devotion.

3. The Widow's Offering: In Mark 12:41-44 , Jesus observes a poor widow who puts two small coins into the temple treasury. He remarks, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others." Her offering, though small in monetary terms, was extravagant in its sacrificial nature, as she gave all she had to live on.

Characteristics of Extravagant Worship:

· Sacrificial: Extravagant worship often involves a significant personal cost, whether financial, emotional, or social. It reflects a willingness to give up something valuable for the sake of honoring God.

· Wholehearted: This form of worship is marked by complete devotion and sincerity. It is not performed out of obligation or routine but stems from a genuine desire to glorify God.

· Public and Private Expressions: While some acts of extravagant worship are public, like David's dance, others are private, like the widow's offering. Both are equally valued by God when done with the right heart.

· Criticism and Misunderstanding: Those who engage in extravagant worship may face criticism or misunderstanding from others, as seen in the reactions to both Mary of Bethany and David. However, their focus remains on pleasing God rather than people.

Theological Significance:

Extravagant worship underscores the believer's recognition of God's supreme worth and the appropriate response to His grace and mercy. It serves as a reminder that worship is not merely a ritualistic practice but a heartfelt expression of love and gratitude. The examples in Scripture encourage believers to evaluate their own expressions of worship, challenging them to consider whether they are offering God their best.