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The melodies of our music, the volume of our voices, and the power of our praise mean very little unless the heart of our corporate voice lifts up the cross with Jesus on it and focus’ on the Father’s mercy and love
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Sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Tell of his salvation from day to day.
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
and he is to be feared above all gods.
For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols,
but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before him;
strength and joy are in his place.
-1 Chronicles 16:23-27
We’ve been created and called to declare the excellencies of God in worship. Our unique position of privilege corporately (a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession) is to lift our voices together to display his glory. Along with being given this identity, we’ve been given the vocal and language ability to express worship like nothing else in creation.
The astounding fact is God doesn’t need our worship, the triune Godhead has perfect relationship. God isn’t egocentric or self-exalting in demanding our worship, either. John Piper concludes, “because we’ve been made by this God and for this God, our very identity, when we’re right with God, is to love him supremely, adore him and to worship him. It’s a supreme act of love on his part to demand it. Because it’s for our own good.” If we don’t love God wholly, purely, and worship him alone, we become idolatrous and the idols we chose will never satisfy.
Worship changed when Jesus came. Just as the sacrifice of praise from our lips represent the new covenant, instead of sacrificing bulls and rams, the ability to worship from the heart is our new covenant priestly role. After Jesus’ death on the cross, each believer can approach the throne instead of depending on going through a priest to take them to God. The melodies of our music, the volume of our voices, and the power of our praise mean very little unless the heart of our corporate voice lifts up the cross with Jesus on it and focus’ on the Father’s mercy and love. The Westminster Catechism’s first question is “what is the chief end of man?” The answer – “It is to glorify him and enjoy him forever.” Take a few moments to listen to your favorite praise song and enjoy the privilege of worshiping God.
Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples,
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength!
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name
bring an offering and come before him!
Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness;
tremble before him, all the earth;
yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved.
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice,
and let them say among the nations,
“The Lord reigns!”
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
let the field exult, and everything in it!
Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy
before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures forever!
– 1 Chronicles 16:28-34
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By Donna Burns
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