Worship . . . Understanding the heart of Awe!

It seems lately I've run across some 'odd' and what I'd call 'weird' thoughts on worship, thus my message this coming Sunday (Sept 6) on Worship. No doubt everyone has an opinion on the subject and probably everyone has a piece of the truth at least at some level. I certainly don't believe I've figured it all out, by any means. After living through the 'worship wars' of the 90's and in devouring everything written on the subject, I still think as 'the church' we often miss the point, or more importantly the purpose of what God is doing through us as it relates to this subject.

For many, 'worship' is what the church does in a set time frame (usually on a Sunday morning) allowing us to feel and express ourselves in love and awe towards God. It is often expressed best (we think) during music. Yet there is where it kind-of ends. Others sense worship can happen anywhere at anytime as meditation or reflection dwell up inside of us and we're once again in awe of our creator. In directing his thoughts to worship within the community or church, Kiekegaard defines the process and our role within worship as: Leaders (worship leader, worship team, song leader, organist, choir) are the prompters of worship; the Congregation are the performers; and God is the audience. Personally I am OK with all of these expressions but sense there is so much more.

All too often the worship of God through music becomes more focused on us and our feelings become the audience rather than the focus of our worship: God. I, like many have fallen into this trap as I reflect often on a Sunday morning service stating "that was good" or "not" based on how the "performance"went. If I'm the prompter or even the performer, the real statement of my worship has to be based on what the audience thought! And the audience of one (God) knows whether or not, I truly worshiped. I'm always reminded of Cain & Abel at this point. Only God could have really known the heart of these two worshipers.

As I said, I believe there's more than simply a song at the heart of worship (as Matt Redmond articulated in his song - Heart of Worship).

Worship I believe may be best sum up in a small and remote scripture text - Micah 6.8

He (God} has showed you, O man, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God

Although it's recorded in the midst of God's anger towards Israel the prophet Micah pauses and outlines the call of one who truly seeks to know (and may I suggest - worship) God. Worship is a life surrendered completely to God. Once again as with Cain & Abel "What does the LORD require of you?" Isn't worship what God requires of us? YES! And so in defining worship, does not Micah outline through "justice" (doing what's right, also called integrity), "mercy" (a reflection of God's response to us, also given as grace) and "humility" (surrendered before God also know as the absence of pride) all within the intentional act of walking with God (following in relationship with God).

I have often heard it said that the preoccupation of heaven with be the worship of God and I believe it will be, however I have a great difficultly in seeing us gathered in a circle singing Kum-Ba-Yah (and even feeling really close to God) as the eternal pastime of eternity. Rather I see the creator finishing what he started in the Garden of Eden with all of it's fulness being enjoyed as we live in harmony with God and with each other underscoring the relationship through these values Micah shares as our worship before God.

Our worship is more what happens outside of our circle of "church" and "worship services". We have been called to be the church, not attend it! Worship as the apostle Paul states in Romans 12.1-2 "in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual^ act of worship . . ." Worship is how we live!

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