I have really been struggling with the word “worship” and what it means. I have scoured the internet for assistance and from what I can tell, it’s undecided as well. I have a ton of questions and I’m misguided in most of my thoughts as I try to piece information together.
- Why would we choose music as a form of worship in the modern day, a medium that is so “controversial” and that so many have personal preference?
- How does music display the service of worship? Why, when an angel appears or God speaks, does one go prostrate and worship? I am thinking that it is more like the wording should be “go prostrate IN worship”. I don’t recall scripture talking about Joshua falling on his face when confronted with the Angel of the Lord and the muffled sound of Amazing Grace arises from the ground in worship. It merely states, bowed down and worshipped. So, to me, it’s the action of bowing down that displays the WORTHSHIP of the person whom you are bestowing it upon. It’s not only there..but, Gideon, John, etc.
- What does worship have to do with us anyway? Why is there a preference if it’s declaring the WORTHINESS to the one that you should be offering it up.
- There is an instance in Numbers, I believe, where it states how they were to worship. (When they finally took census of the Levites) That the stringed instruments, cymbals and 120 priests with trumpets come together as one and everyone would say something to affect, “Holy is the Lord, Mighty are His works.” … The end. That’s all they would say and only after the music came together. So, it wasn’t a song…more like a battle chant or something.
- What are you supposed to be doing in worship? It’s quite clear it’s service…but what are you doing? Are you supposed to be swept with emotion? Are you just supposed to agree with the words? If so, why is it in a song? Why don’t they just recite the words? What do you do to worship?
It seems quite clear to me that music is important in the Old Testament setting of the tabernacle, however, I don’t recall much of it in the new testament. The 12 tribes are disbanded and the Levites aren’t required apparently. The piano and organ are invented and viewed as the reverent instrument and if you slam a cymbal, “oh my”!
Here’s the crux of it…God’s word is timeless, should His music be? I suspect it was somewhat important to have psalms scattered with it and quite a few scriptures referencing it. But, what has man done to it? Is the problem larger than that? Do people actually expect to be catered to in church? You know, drop off the kids and watch a movie kind of atmosphere? If it’s not the correct genre, try a different location? Is the church becoming a country club limited to like minded stubborn folk? Is it lead by directionless, godless men that are more interested in being “admired” than admiring God? Why is Joel Osteen’s church packed when other bible preaching churches are empty? Why would someone need to drive past 10 churches to get to “theirs”? From what I see, people are afforded too much power in church to change things and God is squeezed out and self preservation kicks in which leads to self sufficiency and then competition for a congregation, viola, people get catered to. What SHOULD we do to cater to GOD?
I wonder if there were grumblers in the OT days where they complained about the cymbal crashing to loudly. Ya know, 120 trumpets wouldn’t be quiet. Of course, their audience was probably in the hundreds of thousands…so it needed to be loud. I guess all the old grumpy folk would move to the back due to the volume. Or, would they have been there in the front being an example of what worship is, testifying to the Great and Mighty things they witnessed God do in their lives? Were the young folks whining about the old folks and their stubborn ways? Unknowingly being very judgmental and stubborn in their own right?
These seem like pretty immature questions…but, I am a follower of Jesus and don’t know. Why don’t I know? How would I explain this to a non believer? Since I can’t, I must rely on the knowledgeable folks that might happen upon this blog entry… To be wise, walk with the wise.
5 comments:
Interesting post.
>>From what I see, people are afforded too much power in church to change things and God is squeezed out and self preservation kicks in which leads to self sufficiency and then competition for a congregation, viola, people get catered to. What SHOULD we do to cater to GOD?<<
I agree with the general statement that the rank and file tend to have too much power in the workings of the church. Clearly Paul and the other Apostles didn't seek input from the Congregation about theological issues, and other things. That said, we don't know that they didn't seek such input for praise. It is clearly for God that we worship, but it is the people who are worshiping.
Debate about music styles and instruments usually come down to selfish interest. However, that truth doesn't solve the problem. Worship leaders have been complaining about this issue for decades now. I believe that these worship leaders who complain about the attitude of the congregation usually are guilty of the same selfish attitudes, laying fault at the feet of people in the congregation who don't like their style of music. Music is so powerful that it is pretty hard for people to discuss it and take "self" preferences out of the equation. All sides can get stupid about it.
Worship was important in the New Testament. A couple of passages that spring to mind without searching:
Eph. 5:19
Col. 3:16
Commands to worship (praise) when we assemble.
Good thought provoking post.
LH
I don't know if those passages are "commands" to praise. More along the lines of as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs do it with gratitude in your hearts to God. One translation even states that you should TEACH and ADMONISH WITH psalms and hymns and songs...Les, how about solo?
Your comment about debate is exactly why I say, Why use music at all?... Debate over. Or does that start another debate? ;-)
People are more opinionated in music than anything else I would wager. Seems like the incorrect media that we should come before the Lord.
Worship means to give praise, honor and respesct to God; reverance given to God.
When I sing I give worship to God.
Thinking of what a great God he is. I think worship can be deffrent kinds.
I don't think a understood your post very well. But I looked up the word Worship in my Bible and it I thought I might be able to share my idea of worship with you. Songs can be worship if you are worshiping and praiseing God with that song.
I don't know very much so maybe I'm wrong. I just felt like telling you. xoxoxo
Love you Dad!
Here's my none-too-brief take on this, as of today:
>>I don't know if those passages are "commands" to praise. More along the lines of as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs do it with gratitude in your hearts to God.<<
You are right that in those passages, Paul seems to assume that they were using music, and he is encouraging them (I would say, commanding them) to continue, and to do more. His mentioning of teaching and admonishing affirms that this is about the gathering of Believers, when teaching and admonishing is happening. It was a massive part of the worship ceremony in the OT, and nothing was changed in the NT. What the passages DO do I believe, is to affirm that it was still to be a part of the worship service.
Why are people more passionate about music in worship than any other thing? Why is "best" style of music in general such a significant debate? It is because it moves us in powerful ways - either negatively or positively. The very thing that makes it so difficult for various people and generations is the thing that makes it so significant a part of worship. It is what you pick up in the heart of all those OT passages you are talking about.
The passion that makes it contentious makes it hugely valuable. The answer is not to throw out this thing that is so significant and valuable. It is to grow up, quit focusing on what I want, and worship God. Aim for something positive for everyone, and a very different attitude in the Body. Imagine Christians in a worship setting, saying in their hearts, "Lord, this song is tough for me to worship to, but I know it is great for others. Thanks for their opportunity to worship today too."
I appreciate your willingness to think through this, ask tough questions. Regardless of where it goes, it makes us better before the Lord.
Oops. Didn't sign that last post - it was me. Vacation brain...
Les
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