One of the Greek words translated as “worship” in today’s English bible is proskuneo. It means “to kiss the hand as a statement of submission.” It’s what happens when a commoner comes face to face with the king – he lowers himself to finger level, puckers up and kisses the royal ring. That kiss says You are my king and I am your loyal subject. Do what you want with me.
But this word has an even more severely humbling meaning buried in it. Proskuneo is made up of two parts: Pros means toward. And kuneo evolved from the more ancient root word kuon, which means dog. Toward plus dog. Huh?
Now, go with me here, this is about to get a little weird for some of us. You, are a dog. So am I. When our Master comes near us we’re supposed to roll over and kiss/lick appreciatively, submissively. It’s the way we dogs say You are my Master. I am your dog. Do what you want with me.
Proskuneo is surrendering all illusions of competency, all rights and all demands. Its foundation is the realization that back to back with God, freshly showered and shaved, with all my memory verses from vacation bible schools tucked away in my gray matter, with my Sunday clothes on, with my diplomas on the wall, with my list of good deeds stacked up under my feet for extra height, on my best day and on my best behavior, I don’t measure up. I’m short – far short. I have nothing and God is everything. So I roll over.
Proskuneo is this man. This man lost his home and his children in hurricane Katrina. See the desperation on his face? His eyes are swollen. He blubbers in front of the camera, snot dribbling through his stubble, begging strangers for help. He doesn’t care what they think of him. He’s hopeless and helpless on his own.
Proskuneo is this man. His house, his wife and kids and grandkids, his home and furniture, all gone. Bombed into oblivion. His arms are spread and he cries out to God or anybody who’ll listen. He’s hopeless and helpless on his own.
Proskuneo is me sitting beside my son’s hospital bed a few weeks ago. For a few hours the doctors had no idea what was going on with Gresham. And for a few minutes, while my wife stepped out to get some air and sunshine, I laid my head down on the edge of his bed and prayed like I seldom have before. I held his hand and sobbed, trying not to wake him up. God, please don’t take him! Please don’t take my boy!
I was hopeless and helpless on my own. I rolled over, feeling smaller than ever before. I was suddenly, and maybe for the first time, very aware of how all-powerful God is and how powerless I am. I didn’t make this kid. I can’t fix him. I can’t make the pain stop or my own worries lay off for a minute. I can’t even pay the bill. Help, God. You’re all I have.
I was nothing without God.
Truth is I always am. I just need to be reminded.
Isaiah sure was. As his eyes took in all that God is, he saw all that he wasn’t. He rolled over and lamented, “Woe is me a man of unclean lips!” Translation? I’m a dog. You’re the Master. Do what You want with me.
Other Parts Of This Series:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Russ says:
-shaun
Sad, heart wrenching, and beautiful depictions of proskuneo.
found your blog through ragamuffin soul.
God’s best.
-russ
ally simpson says:
Shaun you have made me really ashamed of myself and i have to thank you for that.
God bless bro
Barb says:
thank you so much, Shaun. Our Father has a way of reminding us exactly who we are and also WHO HE is. I am so grateful that He loves us along with it.
Thank you so much for the reminder.
Love, Barb
angie says:
Shaun,
I have enjoyed and been moved by this series very much. Thanks for reminding me it is so much more than about music.
I pray my life in every way will be worshiping my One and only Savior!
May God richly bless you in ways you have yet to imagine!
ben stewart says:
great perspective reminder.
Grovesfan says:
WOW!
Beth
Russ says:
Shaun,
I couldn’t agree with your comment over on my blog any more. Very nicely said.
I think where my mind goes is more along the lines of actual “worship actions” that we DO actually do in this day and age.
We might not bow or kneel, but we sure as sugar shout, clap, and utter spontaneous songs and outbursts! Think any major sporting event.
I know that analogy has probably been run into the ground, but if you want to see “modern worship” (not necessarily of God) at it’s height attend an NFL or NBA game.
There’s some great conversation about this and other topics over at http://www.theworshipcommunity.com, come join us!
-russ
kathryn says:
that was a really beautiful thing to see and read. thank you. . hmmm. . i’ve been in those postions more than several times in my life so far. as extreme as they are, i’ve never felt more authentic with God and desperate for him as i did then.
kathryn says:
how is your son now?
Kim B. says:
Beautifully said Shaun.
And the question is….when will the church wake up and realize they’ve got it all wrong???
It is so hard sometimes on sunday morning not to shout out to all of them and say…..stop talking during worship….stop coming in late….stop eating your donuts and drinking your coffee in here!!!! Worship is not fellowship with your friends….worship is adoration of our Lord.
The worst is….when you are worshiping at church…eyes closed hands out stretched to the Lord…unaware of your surroundings….and someone taps you on the shoulder and starts chatting with you as if that were ok to do…..sad, sad, Christians…..better start working it out here…..cuz it will be a pretty big event in Heaven…..and I don’t think God will be serving donuts and coffee around the throne.
grand canyon tours says:
It also allows Muslims to practice self-discipline, sacrifice, and sympathy for those who are less fortunate, intended to make Muslims more generous and charitable.
Dog pet products says:
Great post. I read more about you Shaun, very interesting, keep up the good work!
Dirk says:
You wirte a great post about this. Its a hard thing what happened there.
jeff says:
thanks for the perspective on this one shaun
http://houston1apartments.com/baytownapartments1.php
I appreciate all the points of view from everyone here.
Lukas says:
It’s realy hard to see what happens there.
acai berry says:
You’re really thankful for this post, I’ve been really enjoying checking up your posts from time to time. Looking forward to see your future posts !!
Travel Galapagos says:
I agree with your point here. It is so hard sometimes on sunday morning not to shout out to all of them and say…..stop talking during worship….stop coming in late….stop eating your donuts and drinking your coffee in here!!!! Worship is not fellowship with your friends….worship is adoration of our Lord.
Internet Marketing Company says:
Shaun!! What a blog filled with vital and important information this is .. It must have taken a lot of hours for you to write these yourself. Hats off from me for your hard work.