This semester we have focused on ways to practically apply the bible and Christianity in our lives. We talked about becoming generous, fasting, giving up worries, not judging, not having earthly treasures, and the list goes on and on. The first day back from break, Ryan challenged us to try living radically this semester, and I was excited. But the list of things to do keeps getting longer and longer. And don't get me wrong, I have gotten a lot of life by trying to live radically, but there are moments that it's overwhelming and a chore. I don't believe this is what Jesus wanted when He invited us in. A life of rules alone is not the best possible life waiting for us.
Jesus says that He desires abundant life for us. And although rules are necessary, they are not life-giving. So how do we find that balance? How do we follow all of these rules and live an abundant life if they seem to contradict each other? Worship can be that answer. Although we are called to worship God, is it just another one of these rules/suggestions/guidelines? Brandon explained that religion can be hard and boring, but that worship is a life-giving response. Worship is when we cannot possibly ignore the greatness we have seen and have to do something radical about it. Lucky for us, the bible gives us some great examples of this response.
"David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets." 2 Samuel 6 : 14 - 15
These verses are when King David is returning the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem; returning the presence of God to His city. There is so much joy in this moment and that is shown in these verses. David, a man that has devoted his entire life to loving God, (and also a man of authority and respect) is found dancing half naked in the streets because of the love and joy that he cannot contain. David is so aware of God and His love, that he cannot help but to worship God with his entire being. What an example for us to follow! (InterVarsity is not condoning dancing half naked.)
We see a similar example in Isaiah 6 : 1 - 8. In this passage, Isaiah sees God and gets to experience his presence in a very real way. This moment in Isaiah's life sparked a very radical response. Isaiah's worship is much like Davids. When you experience God's presence, how can you not worship?
When we allow God to have ultimate worth in our lives, no response is too great. Our spiritual act of worship is to offer our bodies as a sacrifice. This act of obedience is a way for us to respond. If nothing is greater than God in our lives, what won't we do? What will we do? Worship keeps us chasing. What felt like a chore, now feels like life. Worship is a way for us to live in complete confidence in Gods love for us. And it inspires us to action.
I'm guessing that very few of us have had the experience to be in God's presence, but I would encourage you to look in your life and see where God has shown up. There are things that have happened this semester that are worthy of worship; worthy of crazy, irrational, dancing in the streets. Will you choose to offer your life in worshipful response to God? Will you choose to give God ultimate worth in your life? How are you going worship? What do you have that's worthy of worship?
I'll start. Every time I have been afraid to do something for the kingdom, but have taken that leap of faith, God has shown up. Every single time. He is worthy of worship.
Your turn.
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