“When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the Lord, according to the ordinance of David king of Israel. And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord: “For He is good, For His mercy endures forever toward Israel.” Then all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But many of the priests and Levites and heads of the fathers’ houses, old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this temple was laid before their eyes. Yet many shouted aloud for joy, so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard afar off.”
Ezra 3:10-13 NKJV
There is a lot of debate about worship these days – and sadly, the debate isn’t new. Often the disagreement centers around what is “acceptable” in the sanctuary, and the often disagreement results in a divided church and worse, a divided Body.
When I was in high school, I witnessed a church split over two things – use of choruses over hymns and raising of hands. There was a clear division and a mass exodus. That church later split again. I’ve seen it a few times in my life since and always it has been about worship.
It’s pretty telling to me – the battle over worship. If the western church remains divided over such an important topic, how can we ever expect true revival?
At the end of the day, it is the object of our worship that should drive us not the how. Biblical worship is loud and it is quiet. It includes instruments as well as chants that are a capalla. Dancing, kneeling, and laying prostrate are all Biblical postures of worship. The sounds of shouting, weeping, silence, and singing in harmony are all biblical sounds. Worship is to be expressive and reflective. Worship is about ONE thing – G-d. So why the debate?
It grieves me that the church today remains divided, each “right” in their own eyes. When we stand before Him in eternity, I’m guessing it won’t matter who’s way was “right” – I’m guessing the petty disagreements we hold so fast to today will all fade away in comparison to the Holy One before us. And, I’m guessing it will sound like it did in the days of Ezra – the sound of singing, shouting, and weeping will blend into a sound that will be heard by all of Heaven.
May we look up – not around – and focus our worship on the One who gave all.
Father – thank You for Your Word and Your truth. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Ezra 1-3
September 18, 2022