Have you ever experienced a time of worship when you felt God’s presence alive and real; not only to you but obviously to those around you as well? I recall such a time as this on a mission’s trip in Manila. Thousands of students from the U.S., Korea and multiple other countries had come together to encourage the local churches and proclaim the good news of Jesus. Early in the trip, we all gathered in a massive amphitheater to worship and dedicate the time to the Lord.The crazy thing was that we all spoke a different language! As the music started to play, I was momentarily baffled by what I was hearing. This wasn’t only English … this was thousands of people worshipping God in their own language. It was utterly beautiful! Could this be a glimpse of eternity?
Ephesians 2:11-17 shows us how God, through the blood of Jesus Christ, intentionally broke down the walls that separated Jew from Gentile for the purpose of building up his church in unity. Jesus came to this earth to offer freedom to all who believe in his name; not just a select race or culture. When we believe this in the depths of our being, it doesn’t matter how we worship or who is worshipping next to us. The natural outpouring of a united community in Christ is a longing to passionately worship together. Worshiping alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ is a demonstration of our deep love for God and our unity in the Spirit.
Romans 15:6-7, in the Voice Translation says: In this unity, you will share one voice as you glorify the one True God, the Father of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, our Liberating King. So, accept one another in the same way the Anointed has accepted you so that God will get the praise he is due.
Have you ever spent time thinking about how you worship? Does the person next to you who is singing off-key botheryou? Or does it make you smile and cause you to join in singing all the louder, knowing that God loves to hear the praises of his people. Have you ever thought about the privilege of worship — the fact that we not only get to freely study Scripture together, but we also can freely make a joyful noise together, lifting our hearts in worship to the God of the universe?
Father thank you for uniting us, your saints, and for giving us the freedom to worship together. May our voices bring you honor and praise! Amen.
Lynette Fuson
Director of Women’s Ministries