Leading in Worship
by Travis Runion
There are moments that happen in life when you know you are experiencing something remarkable. You can feel it deep in your soul. Your senses come alive and you get that electric chill followed by goosebumps. Last week during football practice was one of those moments. The whole day had been cloudy and overcast with misty rain. The start of practice was the same and the rain even bumped up to a drizzle. The boys seemed to enjoy it. But near the end of practice, the rain and low clouds moved eastward, the setting sun dropped below those clouds and suddenly the western sky was on fire with a bright orange light. Then the eastern sky was filled with a huge rainbow. Practice paused for a moment as we all took in the magnificence. The Psalmist must have experienced something similar when he wrote "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork." (Psalm 19:1)
I made a note to bring this to the boys attention at our team huddle at the end of practice, but in the midst of other announcements and a planned devotional, I forgot and missed a great opportunity to worship and glorify God and lead others to do the same. Even though there have been many times where I didn't forget and took the time to give God glory in the moment, missing that moment last week motivated me to not let it happen again.
In retrospect (and what I intend to do next time), I should have stopped everything, brought the guys together right then, and led them all to worship. That's what God deserves. A right view of our God should compel us to stop everything and worship. As our creator and as THE Creator, He deserves all the praise for what He has done. Just as a master artist rightly receives praise for creating a masterpiece, God deserves our praise whenever we are in awe of His Creation. The beauty of Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, all those screen savers on Apple TV, they all "declare the glory of God." The order in the universe, the wonder of conception and birth, the diversity of all species, and the magnitude of the universe we can barely see let alone visit; all these should evoke wonder, awe, and worship.
Creation is not the only thing that should compel us to worship. Almost everyone is moved by stories we see, hear or read where people make tremendous sacrifices for the benefit of others. The tragedy of 9/11 and the stories of heroism on that day move us to tears. It is natural and right for us to give praise, honor and glory to men and women who lay down their lives for others. Sacrificial love
Forgiveness is another theme that evokes emotion in us. For me, the story of marital forgiveness and restoration after infidelity in the Broadway musical "Hamilton" was powerful and emotional. I was so moved listening to the song "It's Quiet Uptown" while driving in the car, I actually had to reassure my wife that I didn't have my own secret affair to disclose. Why do these stories move us so strongly? If we are honest with ourselves, we are all aware of our own sin and how that has wounded those we love most. Everyone is deeply aware (whether they will admit it or not) that our greatest need is forgiveness.
Both sacrificial love and forgiveness are moving topics for us to experience and absorb. They are another reason for us to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Philippians 2: 6-8 (NLT)
There is no greater hero story than Jesus. The one who was creator entered into his creation. The Son of God wrapped himself in human flesh and dwelt among us. The one who said "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth," allowed himself to be arrested, beaten, and crucified like a criminal. The purpose in all this was so that you and I could have forgiveness. The penalty due for our sin is death (Romans 3:23), so God sent His son to die in our place so that we could have eternal life with God. (John 3:16)
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2: 9-11 (NLT)
Let's resolve to never deny our Creator and our Savior the worship, praise and honor that He is due. Let's resolve to lead our families and those under our influence to see God's glory in His creation, to experience God's forgiveness through Christ, and to give Him all the praise, honor and worship that He deserves.
Questions for reflection
When you see the beauty and wonder of this world, do you merely take it in or do you make a point to give glory to God the Creator of it all?
When you hear a story of sacrifice, how does that make you feel? Do you feel the same when you think of the sacrifice Christ made for you?
When you hear a powerful story of forgiveness, how do you respond? How do view your own forgiveness through Christ? Do you believe that you are forgiven? How would you be different if you accepted God's forgiveness and lived in that truth?
How can you be more intentional in leading your family and others in being aware of God's handiwork and responding in worship?