Devo 42
10/17/01
"Heart of Worship"
(I wrote the following paragraphs on 10/1/01, so 'today' means 10/1, and not today 10/17..or rather 10/18 when you get this, unless it takes you a while to open your email like I know some do :) )
I don't usually advertise things here, but this isn't really going to be an advertisement, and I think you'll find it really encouraging like I did. Mark your calendars for November 4. On this day, in New Delhi, India, approximately 1 million Hindus of the 'untouchable' class are gathering for the purpose of renouncing their faith (Hinduism) which has subjected them to unimaginable poverty for the last 2000 years. On that day too, they will choose a new faith; Islam, Buddhism, or Christianity. These one million will come representing the over 300 million Indians of the 'untouchable' class. I didn't get this news off some email forwarded hundreds of times from some 'credible source'. Today at Back to the Bible we had a special gathering to hear from Dr. Ro Pudaite, a man who has recently had opportunity to spend over a week with the leader of this movement persuading him of the freedom and dignity of the Christian faith. The movement's leader Ram Rag (I'm pretty sure on the spelling) was profoundly impacted by the testimony and friendship of Dr. Pudaite. At the gathering in India, pamphlets will be handed out to all who come offering a free New Testament, or a place to express interest in being baptized (and something else that I forget) Also, a million copies of the gospel of John have been published in their language to be distributed on that day. On top of all this, a stadium in the city has been reserved (seating over 20,000) for the purpose of baptising anyone who wishes it--there had originally been some sporting event scheduled in the stadium for that day, but because of the terrorist attack in New York City, the even has been canceled. Also as a result of the attack, Islam has been rejected as a choice for the new faith.
You may be thinking what I was thinking as I first began hearing this, that this movement will just be the exchanging of one label (Hindu) for another (Christian). But after hearing Dr. Pudaite talk this morning (he has been asked to be one of the speakers at the assembly on Nov. 4), I feel convinced that this won't be a choice made lightly. In fact those who convert will likely be treated more severely than ever before--the caste system in India isn't just a religious institution, it is political. I don't pretend to even begin to understand all the ramifications this change could have in India (I didn't like Poly Sci in college), but just imagine.
This was confirmed by Back to the Bible offices in that part of the world, and you can find the same info at backtothebible.org in the International section. If this turns out to be legit, it will be phenomenal.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled devo
Ever notice how much attention Worship is getting these days? Practically every Christian band now has put out, or is putting out a compilation of them singing praise and worship. Even recent polls are showing that more and more people are placing a meaningful worship times at the top of what they want from a good church service. Worship was the topic at a recent Thusday night church meeting.
Have you ever sung the song "Heart of Worship" by Matt Redman? The chorus goes "I'm coming back to the heart of worship, and it's all about You, all about You. I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it, when it's all about You, all about You, Jesus." It's probably my favorite praise song right now. But the story behind it is incredible. (Forgive me if I can't remember all the details). A few years ago, Mr. Redman was the worship leader at a very progressive church group in England. Their worship service was state-of-the-art with topnotch sound, lighting, and band members. Their services were packed and getting more packed. And then the powers that be at that church decided there would be no more band; at most, an acoustic guitar. The reason? They were concerned that the show was getting in the way of the worship. They needed to get back to the heart of worship, where everything was about God and not about a great band, or sound system, or whatnot. It was all about God.
"When you come to appear before Me, who has required this from your hand, to trample My courts? Bring no more futile sacrifices; incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies--I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting...When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you...your hands are full of blood."
Isaiah 1:12-15
Pretty hard words, especially when you realize that they were spoken to the Israelites. And hard to understand; didn't God command the feasts and the times of worship? And know He's condemning their worship? Why? Every time I've heard this discussed, the answer is the same; they didn't come with the right heart, or they weren't worshipping with the right attitude. And this brings up images in my mind of a nation actually resenting the fact that every week (or whenever) they need to go sacrifice something for God so they can go back to living their own life. The solution then would be that they need to realize that it is God they are worshipping, not some two-bit idol from Assyria, and that God has blessed them and that they should give back to God what He has provided--they need to adjust their attitude. That's great, but what about the rest of the week?
I'm convinced that a church can change it's worship service all it wants and never get closer to true worship. No matter how many instruments you add (or take away), or how moving your songs are, the worship is not in the show. The worship is in the deeds. Some will argue with this. "The worship time is essential for preparing the heart for the pastor's message" (Show me the worship band the opened for Peter and the Apostles at Pentecost.) I think worship should be so much more than this.
Look at the verses above again, especially the last part. "I will hide My eyes from you...your hands are full of blood." When did the blood get on the hands? Were the people sinning even as they brought their sacrifices or fellowshiped during the feasts? Maybe, but I think it more likely that the blood is coming from the actions in between the sacrifices and feasts. How about today? Sure, it is very easy stop sinning and focus fully on God and give Him our fullest attention when being led by an impassioned worship band. But what about on Tuesday when you are nearly run off the road by an inconsiderate driver. Or on Wednesday when assignments pile up and you'll be lucky to sleep that night let alone say a prayer. Or on Friday when you get the opportunity to help a friend with a personal problem but are already running late for that movie you've been waiting for. But on Sunday, no problem, for the next hour and a half God, I'm all Yours. Do you ever wonder why we demand so much out of a worship service? Maybe it's because we don't do near enough of it in our daily lives. I think the Israelites really believed that they were doing everything right; they were at the height of their civilization, God had prospered them greatly; they were worshipping God with their sacrifices and in their feasts, but God was nowhere to be seen in their day-to-day life. And they didn't have a clue (read Malachi).
I don't want this to be true today. And yet I know I do this all the time. I can't even remember the last time I picked up my Bible to read it (aside from Sundays and a church retreat). I can't count the number of hours in the last month that I've spent playing video games. I can't remember the last time I even felt like writing a devo. It's like I go to church on Sunday's saying, "God, it's all about You" and then I get home and say, "Now, it's all about me." And come next Thursday night and Sunday, something in me is screaming out for God and I need the worship time. But would I so desperately need my Sunday worship times if I had spent my other days praising and living for Him? The early church didn't have worship bands leading their services. Yes, they sang praises at their meetings, but that comes naturally, they didn't have to put the effort into it that we seem to these days. And I'm afraid of what can happen if we keep on like this. The Israelites were led into captivity; what about us.
Worship on Sundays is important, but that's only one day out of seven. God wants our entire lives, not just the times when it's acceptable to worship.