I hear a lot about wanting to get back to the classic hymns of our fathers. How badly we need the message they have for us; I agree. Having said that, I can also make a case for the praise music many of us worship with today.
The key word here is WORSHIP.
What is worship? I find that worship, both the act and the experience, is often interpreted differently for each individual. And that is fine, we each have our unique method for the time we spend with the Lord. But, what I feel led to talk about this morning is corporate worship. The time when we come together as one in the Body of Christ.
Recently I was privileged to be a part of a study on the book of Joshua. There is a familiar passage in chapter 24 in which Joshua challenges the people to choose who they would serve. In the verse prior to that challenge I noticed some points; points that are key to worship.
First of all, Joshua says “fear the LORD”. (Revere, stand in awe of) recognizing the power of God.
Joshua says “serve the LORD”. (Bondage to, enslave, service) recognizing the authority of God. Joshua goes on to tell the people to put away the foreign gods that their fathers “served” beyond the Jordan. The word “serve” here also means worship.
Joshua says ” serve Him in sincerity. (Complete, whole, perfect, without spot) recognizing the holiness of God.
Joshua said “serve Him in faithfulness (Firm, sure, truth) recognizing the jealousy of God.
Joshua says ” choose”. And so must we all.
Joshua in his sermon is echoing the message of Moses in Deutoronomy 10:12
“And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul”.
Worship then is not about the music, it’s not about the church decor or who is sitting next to you. It’s not even about the preacher. Worship is not about the externals but rather the internals. Worship – true, sincere worship – is not about us, it’s about Christ. Just as Moses spoke serve (worship) the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
I want to close by sharing with you words from a song by Michael W. Smith that inspired me to write this post.
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that’s of worth
That will bless your heart
I’ll bring you more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what you have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You’re looking into my heart
And it’s all about you,
It’s all about you, Jesus
I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it
When it’s all about you,
It’s all about you, Jesus
No one could express
How much you deserve
Though I’m weak and poor
All I have is yours
Every single breath
I’ll bring you more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what you have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You’re looking into my heart
And it’s all about you,
It’s all about you, Jesus
I’m sorry, lord, for the thing I’ve made it
And it’s all about you,
It’s all about you, Jesus
~Sandra
