by Pastor Mark Moreno
The Beauty of Worship
I love going to a great show or concert, there is so much to see and do! The whole process of getting ready, getting there a bit early and having a meal with friends and then getting into the venue. I always check out the merch table and scout out the seats before settling in. Our image for consideration today is a concert I went to years ago to experience one of my favorite artists Elvis Costello. Some people see a parallel between going to a show and going to church: The audience is the congregation; the stage director is like the pastor; the readers and acolytes are like the performers, and so on.
Except that is all wrong! What if I told you that the congregation members, you and me, we are the performers and God is the audience! Imagine that! We are the ones that are bringing our act of worship, our heartfelt prayers and singing, our intent listening and participation. God is the one who comes in and grabs a seat and wonders: Will my people bring their best today?
It’s not the cleanest analogy, but it does point to a truth: Going to church and giving God honor and praise is NOT a show. It isn’t about being seen or being the center of attention. It is about giving God both our sin and our praise, and He gives His good gifts to us: Forgiveness and love!
In John 4, we hear Jesus say,
“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”
John 4:23-24 English Standard Version
I said I love going to a show or concert and that is 100% true. However, I absolutely prefer the weekly opportunity I have to get ready for church and having fellowship with friends and then getting settled to hear God’s promises and experience His love and forgiveness with a community of believers! I pray you have a local church where you can go and grow closer to God through His Son, Jesus Christ!
Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado
