Introduction
In the weeks ahead we will be looking into the topic of worship. I felt it appropriate to look more closely into worship, as Pastor Becky shared a few Sundays ago about the Lion of Judah coming into and out of the Courts of Praise. The importance of worship is something to consider in the weeks ahead. I would also say that the Presence of God is central to fully understanding and experiencing true worship. We are living in days that are full of uncertainty; struggles with world governments, to challenges with economics and the environment and then throw in a pandemic for good measure. For sure things that can be shaken are being shaken, including our own lives. This reminds me of a verse found in Hebrews 12, where God is warning the people not to refuse him who is speaking. God is constantly speaking to the church today about having ears to hear what the Spirit is saying, not the news or social media… In the past, God spoke through the Law of Moses given on Mount Sinai, where there was smoke and fire. Now he is speaking through his one and only Son, Jesus Christ who came from heaven to earth. The writer states that “once more” God will shake not only the earth but the heavens as well, quoting from Haggai 2:6. In other words, the created things that can be shaken will be shaken and what will remain is the Kingdom of God – “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29).
What worship isn’t
One of my first memories of worship was back in YWAM in 1981, sitting in a room of missionaries and misfits, I was entering into faith and in the misfit category. I was invited to join in a family gathering at a Dilaram House, a ministry of YWAM. As I sat in the corner, we introduced ourselves, and then began to sing a few songs. It was at that moment that a Presence entered the room that I had never experienced before. I was not sure what to say, or how to act. I felt wonderful and terrified at the same time. I realized how messed up my life was and that I was sitting among saints who were much holier than me. I really didn’t understand what was happening, but I definitely wanted come back and experience this again; it was better than the drugs or alcohol that previously got me high. I share this encounter because it was my first experience with God in worship; I was a total worship virgin.
However, over the years of growing in faith and maturing in my journey with Jesus, my worship experience has changed from that first encounter. I have had times of wonder in worship, but I have also experienced some things that are not worship. I am reminded of the Matt Redman song where one-line states, “I’m coming back to the heart of worship…” What a powerful declaration of truth that is needed in our day and age. Why? Because there is so much that is not true worship being promoted in our churches today. Worship isn’t about the music. It is not about the latest and greatest contemporary new song or sound. Worship is not being theologically sound, nor is it about an emotional experience. It is not being culturally relevant. It is not about a church meeting.
Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with the expressions and or the varying approaches to worship. We have all experienced this in the course of our Christian journey. However, I would say that this song lyric is very true.
“When the music fades
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…”
What Worship Is
I cannot give a full definition to worship in one short sermon as there are so many aspects and characteristics found in the Scriptures. But I will try to lay out what I see as the central idea. We have determined that worship is not a form or creation of man. In essence, worship was given life at the same moment Adam received the breath of God. Worship entered into the very being of Adam. He opened his eyes, he worshipped. God looked down, he loved. Worship is about this holy, virgin experience. God and man experiencing each other. Restful. Possibilities. Safe. Intimate. Lion and Lamb. Joyful. Fearful. I could go on and on. And even though sin has tainted worship, through the person of Jesus Christ we can begin to experience a restoration of true worship.
Worship is:
· I would say worship is about “presence.” God being present with us, and our hearts and lives be present with him. Have you ever had a face to face conversation with someone who was not there? How disappointing? You feel less, like something was missing, maybe even rejected. We need to be present when we worship. Not distracted but intentional and surrendered.
· I would say worship is about “journey.” Worship is about an ongoing awareness of the Presence of God, in each and every circumstance of life and faith. In other words, whether secular or spiritual, there is a connection with the Creator who gave us that breath of life just like Adam. We are becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life.
· I would say worship is about “transformation.” Worship is internal before it is ever external. There is an inner awareness and experience of the Holy Spirit. Touching. Convicting. Changing. Revealing. We can embrace the worship of God more fully when we allow this internal renewing of spirit and soul.
The Last Battle
I am reminded of our key verse for today’s message - “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29). At the end of time, there will be a shaking that will be experienced. For believers today, you and me, we can learn several things from this Scripture that brings to light the importance of worship.
Firstly, “we are receiving,” refers to taking hold of, taking into fellowship, or inheriting in the Greek language. The kingdom of God is not something we passively observe on the sideline. We must engage. That is why the writer at the beginning of Hebrews 12 tells the readers to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1-2). In the midst of the shaking, let’s free ourselves of anything that hinders true worship, the Presence, the Journey, the Transformation.
Secondly, the kingdom and reign of God is unshakeable. Unmoveable. Eternal. Unsurmountable. The beauty of the kingdom of God for me is the King. Jesus is seen in the Scriptures as the Lion and the Lamb. What powerful illustrations calling for worship.
Thirdly, one aspect of true worship is thanksgiving. We are told of God’s overflowing grace touching our lives. Because of grace we are in a happy state of spirit and soul. We are experiencing the flavour of favour. Thanksgiving is an appropriate response to grace. Thankfulness is deeply worshipful and yet so practical in application.
Then we are called to worship or serve God, once again in Presence, Journey and Transformation. The language here is that of service. How can we serve, not in rituals, but in reverence and awe? What pleases the heart of God? What is attractive to the Spirit of God? What matters most to Jesus? These questions exhort us to be genuine and growing in our relationship with God. Anything less is not honest worship.
I called this section the “Last Battle.” Why? Because I believe that when earth and heaven are being shaken, the appropriate response is worship. Some will worship and hold onto the things of this world. Others will worship and willing surrender their lives to God. In the midst of shaking, look up. God is on the move. God is drawing near. God is our consuming fire who we worship in fear and wonder.
In Conclusion
Calling all worshippers is being spoken out by the Spirit of God as I speak. God is looking for worshippers. Lovers. Those who will follow after him on this journey of faith. I hope and pray for each and everyone of us that the transforming work of the Spirit goes deep in our hearts and lives. I have heard it said, we need to do church different. Or God is doing a new thing with the ekklesia. While there is some truth to these sayings, I believe the overwhelming cry of God is for genuine spirit and truth worship. We need that sense of wide-eyed wonder that captured the heart of Adam and his Creator.
In Application
Last Sunday Pastor Becky highlighted the importance of worship and relationship with God starting on the home front. The same is true of this message today. Is it difficult to gather corporately when our worship of God at home is lacking. So, I want to leave us with one thought about applying today’s message with family and friends at home.
· Make intentional time to give thanks. Do this daily. Once a week at a family gathering or meal together. Ask the question, what are you thankful for? Why are you thankful will lead into even deeper conversation. Parents, take the lead. Model this for your children. Take time, don’t rush. Enjoy the Presence of God when he enters your home of thanksgiving. Pray and praise together.
Can you imagine followers of Jesus filling their homes and neighbourhoods with thanksgiving and worship and then coming together on Sundays as a continuation of their worship. What a blessing to experience the Presence of God in our home-life. Let’s press on in this journey of faith with Jesus allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our life. In the months ahead, let’s jump in with both feet to the school of worship, so to speak, welcoming in the Presence of God. Let’s Pray…