Isn't if funny how what you didn't like as a kid - you grow up to enjoy, and what you enjoyed as a kid you find you don't enjoy quite so much as a grown up? Well, at least in this case, that has been my experience. When I was younger (actually through college years) I hated to read. I would read just enough to get by. Well, I'm all grown up now and I find myself reading two or three books at one time! How crazy is that? Of course I get to choose the topic which makes a HUGE difference!
I've started reading a new book (well, not new, it was written in 1985), the title - WORSHIP IS A VERB.
Here are a couple of quotes from the author:
"The focus of worship is not human experience, not a lecture, not entertainment, but Jesus Christ - His life, death, and resurrection."
"One of the problems of evangelical worship is the passive nature of the congregation. We just sit and never do anything except sing a hymn or two and put money in the plate."
"WORSHIP IS A VERB. It is not something done to us, or for us, but by us."
What is amazing to me is these quotes came from the first two pages of the book! I also find it interesting that he said this while speaking to a group of college students. What was their reaction? "Amen and Amen!" He mentioned that surprised him, yet excited him to know that twenty-somethings wanted more in worship. They want to be engaged.
Every Sunday I have the opportunity to stand before my church family and speak. I must say that most Sunday's, if I allowed myself to, I would walk off the stage frustrated or depressed! Don't get me wrong, there are some family members who smile and nod while I speak, but generally speaking I sometimes wonder, "don't they ever want to just break loose and go crazy for Jesus?" I mean, what would happen if next Sunday the church roared like the stadiums on football Friday and Saturday nights? Unless Jesus just isn't as exciting as a touchdown, or a fumble, or a two-point play. (did I really say that?) Someone recently made the statement that they were older now and the joy wasn't there like when they were a kid. Are you kidding me!? When we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ there is unspeakable joy! The more you grow and learn about Him, the more exciting and joyful your life becomes! Maybe that is the difference in a "ticket holder" and a follower. A "ticket holder" is excited when they receive the ticket, but the wait to turn it in gets so long, the excitement wears off. For a follower, you never know what is around the corner... the anticipation is almost unbearable!
Then comes the invitation... I bet if it was announced over the PA system that fans could come down on the field and talk with Nick Sabin or Gene Chizik a line would go completely around the football field. Yet, people aren't moved to the altar on Sunday's to "talk to God". Why is that? I believe that at every worship service, every person has a decision to make... maybe it is a first time decision to follow Christ, or a re-commitment to live for Him, or maybe something was said or sung that stirred your spirit and you need to decide to make some changes in your lifestyle or behavior. Maybe it's a decision to pray for those standing around you. Every Sunday God is speaking, calling people to come - yet the altar remains empty.
Please don't get me wrong, I'm not a fuddy-duddy, really I'm not. I would be at every Alabama football and basketball game if I could afford the tickets! When I get to go to games my heart beats a little faster, my stomach churns during the big plays, and I enjoy cheering with all the other fans. RTR!!!! Those 14 National Championships give me a sense of pride to be a U of A alumni!
But when I come to church to worship, I experience an even greater excitement. My heart beats a little faster! My stomach churns during the message and I enjoy singing and lifting up praises to God with my church family - my hands and feet can't be still! My salvation gives me more than a sense of pride... it gives me assurance of life everlasting.
So, for me there is no comparison... worship excites me, worship ignites me, worship is my life!
Now to move on to page three...
Worship is a VERB by Robert E. Webber
