This Sunday I had the pleasure of worshiping together with my friend, Scott. Scott was saved by the Lord a few years ago in a miraculous way. He literally met Jesus after dying on the side of the road in Alaska and was brought back to life by Him. As a result, Scott is so full of the joy of the Lord that he is contagious! You can't help but smile and feel the genuine love of God in Scott's presence. He radiates it.
While at church, we experienced a technical difficulty when the speaker system fell over and became unplugged in the middle of worship. The song, "Ever Be" by Aaron Shust, was playing when the speaker disconnected. Scott caught up in worship never noticed at first and continued to sing. When he did notice the music had stopped, he continued to encourage the congregation to keep praising Jesus. It was an interesting experience to witness. Most of the congregation remained silent, unsure what to do next without the official music playing. Many seemed reserved or perhaps even embarrassed by Scott's continual praise. Me? I was completely jealous. I envied the way Scott was totally unashamed of Jesus, and his joy of the Lord spilled over in uninhibited praise. I asked the Lord right then and there to give me such a love and passion for Him. I want to praise Jesus uninhibited in the middle of a silent congregation. I want to praise Jesus without fear or reservation at any and all times. This past Sunday was a great lesson for my soul. I finally understand the deeper meaning of Romans 11:11. When God said salvation came to the gentiles to make Israel jealous, I believe Scott's exuberant worship of Yahweh was exactly what Paul had in mind. Let us all live and worship Jesus in such a manner that we make others jealous of our love for God and His love for us.
"...salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke Israel to jealousy."
Romans 11:11
2 Comments
8/15/2018 11:29:51 pm
I think all forms of worship and praise is pointless if people especially children are only coerced into doing it. Most of the rituals we learned as kids are not really explained to us properly. We were just scared to get some beating if we don't start singing and dancing in church. We should teach children to love God by showing a good example of kindness in diversity. Religion should be a choice and not something we use to force people to follow us. Authority and spirituality are two separate things and the best way to govern is to touch a person by the heart.
Sharon
8/21/2018 12:33:25 pm
I agree that true worship can never be forced. It flows freely from the heart of a saved person. Any attempts to use fear or manipulation will never result in worship, no matter what it looks like on the outside. God is concerned not about our appearance but our hearts. Religion is also something God is not interested in. God wants a personal relationship with His child, not religious acquiescence. Leave a Reply. |
Sharon Aubrey
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