bad read?
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i've been complaining to the worship team about a book i'm reading--reading by choice, but finishing because of some inane compulsion to finish what i've started. the book is by no means an enjoyable read; it meanders along the winding paths and rabbit trails of an old-timey gospel preacher whose style is more front-porch-conversation than an alliterated outline. the author was less organized in writing than is your typical karaoke singer for a rousing rendition of "Living La Vida Loca". anyway, despite being a horrible read, i've actually garnered some points of interest. it may be the subject of a few upcoming posts as i continue to process its content, but we'll see what happens...
today's thought: our physical posture has spiritual significance. that somehow they serve as signals to the spirit realm. as we bow ourselves before the Lord our Maker, as we lift our hands proclaiming His worth and our need, as we dance before Him, as we stand in awe and silence, our physical postures have spiritual significance. as we follow God's leading, as we follow the still, small voice encouraging us to raise our hands, or to fall to our knees, then God honors our obedience (notice that he desires obedience over sacrifice anyway! 1 Sam 15:22) with a greater awareness of his presence, or inhabitation of our praise.
the story is in exodus 17. backstory: israel is held captive for four hundred years, and God frees them from bondage with a vengeance! the plagues, water from a rock, etc. then come the amalekites, ready to battle. remember, israel had been slaves for a few hundred years; they operated a hoe and rake, not a sword and shield! God knows that there is no way that israel could win a battle!! moses is perched atop the mountain with the rod of God--the same rod that brought water from a rock, the same rod that split the sea and allowed israel to walk across on dry land (hmm... same rod? or same God?)--and as he raised his hands, israel prevailed in battle. as his hands got tired and drooped, amalek prevailed. aaron and hur steadied the hands of moses until the battle was over and israel had won. what was moses actually doing on the mountain top?
the psalmist says (ps 149--Let the praises of God be in their mouths, a sharp sword in their hands) that our praises are as powerful as a two-edged sword. that as we praise our God, and as He inhabits our praises, that He moves to the tune of our praise to execute vengeance on the heathen; that literally in rhythm to our cymbals and harps, that He fights our battles for us.
what was Moses doing on the mountain top? was he standing still and silently with his hands stuck in the air? or was he praising God, his hands raised in worship and praise of Him who alone is worthy? if God will come fight a physical battle when His name is praised, do we dare question the vast resource He makes available to us, if we will but praise His name? praise Him Who gives us the victory!
coming soon--another parallel of praise: cow
posted by rob @ 1:31 AM
5 comments
5 Comments:
This is really interesting...about the posture we use as we worship. I had never thought about it.
(I have a suggestion: Why don't you write a book on worship? I mean, in your spare time.
I started a short story on my blog. I'm not telling anyone about it until it's done but you can find it by viewing my profile.)
I ws thinking about this more, and Hebrews says that the Word of God is two edged Sword. Also, Revelation 1:16 talks about a two-edge sword coming out of Jesus' mouth. 149:6 is Hebrew poerty which is rich with parallelism, so in the case of the verse, it would be something like, Praises = Sword, Mouth = Hand. Food for thought.
cool stuff, thanks!!!
PS. I forgot to add, that it seems that the verbal (lyrics) part of praise is that which is the two edged sword.
I enjoyed reading and thinking about that post.
As a worship leader in my own church and other places, I often wonder how much of the posture people have in worship is due to peer pressure rather than an obedience to God. It's my prayer that God gets all the glory in corporate worship. As He sees the heart, I want Him to see the body reflecting a total submission to His Will and awe for Him, rather than fitting in with what the neighbour is doing. I feel a responsibility when I lead to not manipulate the mood or people's reactions, but rather let God do His thing. And when I am worshipping, how prepared am I to follow His leading, no matter how counter-cultural the result will be in the group I am in?
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