Can you imagine what it's like for God on Sunday mornings?
The Bible tells us that He inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). It tells us that as we draw near to Him He draws near to us (James 4:8). It also says that "in the multitude of people is a King's glory." (Proverbs 14:28). This means that our God and Saviour waits with great eagerness for us to come and worship Him. His heart waits for us to "rejoice in His salvation and sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with us." (Psalms 13:6) I suspect that He's like a little child waiting for each painful minute to slip by before he can go downstairs to open the Christmas presents.
But sometimes the child is disappointed. He races down the stairs to just a handful of gifts, and most of them aren't even his. And if this keeps happening Christmas after Christmas, he gradually loses interest, and won't even care about showing up for it anymore.
Sometimes I picture God "getting up" on Sunday mornings ready to storm down the stairs to revel in the gifts of His people. He can't wait to meet with us; He can't wait to unwrap our praise. But as He hits the place of worship He sees very few who have gathered to be with Him; very few "gifts" that are there for Him.
Precious Kevin heard his alarm clock go off, but then he raised a sleepy arm to snuff it out. "I'm sorry Lord, I'm just too tired. I guess I shouldn't have stayed out so late last night." Then there's the Landry family who chose to go quading this week instead of going to church. And there's little Lisa who's just too hung over from the night before to get out today.
And even out of those who managed to make it to worship there was the family that fought with each other all the way to church; there is the young couple who fornicated the night before; and there's the ex-wife who still uses every waking moment to think of ways to get even with her wayward husband. Yes, their bodies and lips might have come to church, but their hearts are very far from the Lord.
Oh......and then there's the ones who show up to critique the sound and the service. Later they go out for lunch with their friends and lay down their weekly review. "So what'd you think of the service today, guys? I thought the sound was horrible again. And that preacher just went on and on and on. And, man, when on earth are they ever going to dump that four-eyed disaster on that worship team. She can't sing worth a hoot. I'm almost embarassed to bring my friends to church."
Rarely do you hear anyone ask "So do you think God enjoyed our worship today? I wonder if He was pleased with what I offered Him?"
Friends, we have a God who is eager to inhabit our worship and praises. He's a God who leans over on His throne and listens attentively to those who love Him. When He finds a church that's actually there to worship -- when He finds a multitude of sinners gathered to revel in His grace and mercy -- He sends His Holy Spirit to anoint that service, and His angels to bring Him back our praise.
So when this Saturday comes up, think again about how it might affect your Sunday morning. And when that alarm goes off get up and start humming Amazing Grace. God is waiting for you to come and be with Him. God is waiting to come and inhabit your honest praises.
Sing praise to the LORD, You saints of His,And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. (Ps 30:4)
For in a multitude of people is a king's honor, but in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince. (Prov 14:28 ) Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:25)
Labels: worship |
Thank you so much for sharing this. It has served not only as a reminder, but has also convicted me to never be complacent in coming before the Lord each Sunday.
I'm reminded that gathering to give worship and praise to our Savior is not just a routine to do each Sunday, but an event where the King of kings awaits my arrival to congregate with the rest of His children to praise Him.
Thanks again for sharing.