FOUNDATIONS 1: Part Two by Wayne Huirua

2. An expression of emotional intimacy
In the New Testament, there are seven words used for worship.  Most of them are used only once or twice.  One of them is used 66 times.  It is a word that means ‘a very intimate gesture’.  It can be translated,  ‘to come toward to kiss the hand – a token of reverence’.

Worship is not just cold blind devotion to a non-personal God; it is a perfect blend of reverence, fear, sacrifice, obedience and emotional intimacy. Several times in the New Testament the Lord refers to us as his bride. It is the perfect analogy to describe our relationship with the father. A marriage has, at its foundation, principles of commitment, loyalty, trust, destiny and indeed sacrifice, but it also has the other side, the side that involves the emotions, feelings, affection and adoration. It cannot be based on feeling and passion alone but without it lacks fire, passion and motivation.
This side of our relationship with God is often downplayed, sometimes even scorned, but it is absolutely essential, even commanded!

Matthew 22:37  “Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment’”.

Worship is the intimate expression of our love for Him.  We can view this aspect as the romance of our relationship with him.

God’s purpose for us is to have an intimate, loving relationship with Him. Our response to God, in light of His desire for us, is our worship to Him.  It suddenly becomes so much more than just singing and music, but the very outworking and outpouring of every aspect of our lives.

These two definitions of worship are both essential in our walk with the Lord. Sacrificial devotion and service, along with intimate loving adoration.

Herein lies the reason we use music and other emotional tools.  To help develop this emotional aspect of our relationship with the Father.

Emotion plays a big part in our relationship with God.  Let’s not try to deny it by declaring it ‘non-spiritual’ and therefore unreliable and useless, or be irresponsible with it and try to make it the basis for our faith, but like all things, bring it into submission to the Lord and use it to bring glory to His name.
Summary
Worship incorporates both sacrifice and emotion.  With this in mind we ask ourselves two questions:

1) Does our worship ultimately help lead people towards greater sacrifice of their lives to God?

2) Does our worship communicate effectively in the emotional realm?

These two questions will guide us as we seek to improve our structures, our teams, our skills and ultimately our worship.

Advertisement