Think about an orchestra preparing to perform one of the greatest symphonies of all time. Can you picture it? Cue the strings. Listen to them as the bows strum back and forth. Enter the woodwinds. Slowly each piece begins to flow with the next. Yet, they are all forming together to produce the most harmonious sound known to man. They play off of each other. There are climactic, triumphant moments and there are gentle, still whispers of instruments. But at each moment, they are all on the same piece of music, following each other, entering and exiting. It’s one of the most beautiful experiences that God has given us on Earth. I believe there is something in music that draws us near to the heart of God. Let me explain…As I’ve been reading through 1 Corinthians, I arrived at chapter 14. What does worship look like? I mean true biblical worship? Does it really just stop at singing songs that, let’s be honest, most of us just recite the words without really engaging the Holy Spirit. Don’t get me wrong, as I said before, there is something in music that draws us in. You feel it too don’t you? For the sake of not being misunderstood, let me post what God’s Word says:
“When you come together, EVERYONE has a hymn, or a word of instruction,
a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done
for the strengthening of the church.”
a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done
for the strengthening of the church.”
~1 Corinthians 14:26-27
This is worship. It’s not sitting down quiet time being unengaged corporately. There is a time for that. But it is not in a corporate setting. I realize me saying this may offend some people. I’m okay with that. I’d rather have it stir in your spirit to realize that what we want is fully engaged worshipers as a corporate body. Let’s go back to the orchestra…
Enter the prophet with a word from the Lord. He is affirmed by other prophets who hear the Spirit communicating the same thing. The intercessors come in. They intercede on behalf of the church based on what the Spirit is saying. Then the exhorters call out the ones with a revelation. They speak up. The Spirit moves. Each person’s gift is activated and each part of the body is engaged in worship. It is not a cacophony that is discordant. There is order to it. God is glorified, the Spirit of the Lord moves, and the church is edified. EVERYONE is engaged. It comes together to form the most amazing symphony that could ever be conducted. The Holy Spirit is the conductor, the piece of music is the message he wants to impart, and we are the instruments. Why is this not happening? Why do we sit idly by when God wants to engage us corporately? To be honest, I have yet to hear this symphony, but I want it so desperately. Who wouldn’t? Who wouldn’t want to be part of this beautifully orchestrated masterpiece that leaves it’s hearers stupefied?
As I continue on this Race, I have realized that our squad cannot reach it’s greatest potential without hearing from the Lord. Not just on our own, but corporately as well. As an exhorter, I want to call out the gifts of my squad members. I desire for them to walk in confidence that they do hear from the Lord in whatever way that looks. If it’s tongues, great. Prophesy, amazing! But we need to be activated. Holy Spirit, we invite you to lead our orchestra. May we be sweet sweet music to your ears.
