Living Water 678

LIVING WATER – EPISODE 678 || 12TH APRIL, 2026

By Solomon Uwumbolibe Mensah

THE COST OF TRUE WORSHIP

Scripture: Judges 6:19
“Gideon went inside, prepared a young goat, and from an ephah of flour he made bread without yeast. Putting the meat in a basket and its broth in a pot, he brought them out and offered them to him under the oak.”

Gideon’s encounter with God now moves from intention to action. He does not merely promise an offering; he prepares one with care, effort, and sacrifice. This verse paints a vivid picture of what true worship looks like: it is not casual or convenient, but intentional and costly. Gideon took time, used valuable resources, and presented a complete offering before the Lord. In a world where many seek quick and effortless expressions of faith, this moment reminds us that genuine devotion requires preparation, sacrifice, and a willingness to give God our very best.

1: TRUE WORSHIP REQUIRES PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT
Gideon “went inside” and personally prepared the offering, showing that worship is not something delegated or done passively; it requires active participation. He did not send someone else or offer what was already prepared; he invested himself in the process. In the same way, our relationship with God cannot be outsourced or reduced to routine; it demands our direct involvement, our time, and our attention. True worship flows from a heart that is personally engaged and fully present before God.

2: GIVING TO GOD INVOLVES SACRIFICE
The preparation of a young goat and bread from an ephah of flour was not a small offering; it was significant and costly. In a time of scarcity and oppression, Gideon still chose to give generously, demonstrating that honoring God often requires sacrifice. This teaches us that true giving is not measured by convenience but by value; it costs something. Whether it is our time, resources, or energy, meaningful worship involves surrendering something valuable to God as an expression of reverence and trust.

3: GOD DESERVES OUR BEST, NOT OUR LEFTOVERS
Gideon did not bring scraps or leftovers; he prepared fresh food and presented it carefully, showing honor and respect. This reflects a heart that understands the worthiness of God. Too often, people give God what remains after everything else has taken priority, but Gideon’s example challenges us to reverse that mindset. God deserves the first and the best of what we have; our time, our attention, and our resources; because He is worthy of our highest honor.

4: WORSHIP IS EXPRESSED THROUGH OBEDIENCE AND ACTION
Gideon’s offering was not just a symbolic act; it was a step of obedience following God’s instruction and presence. He acted on what he believed, demonstrating that worship is more than words; it is action. In our lives, worship is not limited to songs or prayers; it is seen in how we respond to God’s voice, how we obey His instructions, and how we live daily. Genuine worship is a lifestyle of obedience that reflects our faith in tangible ways.

5: WHERE YOU OFFER MATTERS LESS THAN HOW YOU OFFER
Gideon presented his offering “under the oak,” not in a formal temple or sacred building, showing that true worship is not confined to a location but defined by the condition of the heart. What made the offering significant was not the place, but the sincerity and reverence behind it. This reminds us that we can honor God anywhere; at home, at work, or in quiet moments; if our hearts are fully devoted to Him. God looks beyond the setting and focuses on the authenticity of our worship.

CONCLUSION:
Gideon’s act of preparing and presenting his offering teaches us that true worship is intentional, sacrificial, and heartfelt. It is not about convenience or routine, but about honoring God with our best. His example calls us to move beyond words and into action, demonstrating our devotion through what we give and how we live.

CALL TO ACTION:
Examine what you are offering to God today; are you giving Him your best or what is left over? Choose to honor Him intentionally, invest your time and resources in your relationship with Him, and let your worship be seen through your actions and obedience.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for teaching us through Gideon’s example what true worship looks like. Help us to give You our best and not our leftovers. Teach us to be intentional, sacrificial, and sincere in our devotion. May our lives reflect true worship through our actions and obedience. In Jesus’ name, Amen.