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The Intentional Cost of Worship--Part 2  In part one of two blogs on worship, we considered the cost of worship regarding the priority of personal sacrifice involved in coming together before our great God as a worshiping community. We reflected upon King David’s affirmation in 2 Samuel 24:24 where he refuses to offer to the Lord anything which costs him nothing.
Today I consider two other reminders of personal sacrifice involved in worship. The first reminder is from the Judean wilderness; the second is a memory from Miller Cunningham, former worship pastor at The Chapel. Last summer on our “bucket list” trip to Israel, we experienced the Judean wilderness in all its expansive, rugged glory. There were miles and miles of sandy hills, narrow rocky passes, and sharp flint stones. For obedient Jews heading to Jerusalem for the three mandatory feast celebrations, this journey was dangerous. Danger from attackers hiding in the steep passes lurked around the travelers as they journeyed for days. The cost of worship for them was risk of personal safety and harsh conditions, yet they persevered in obedience to God’s commands to be present in Jerusalem. For us in the US who travel to worship in relatively safe conditions, it is helpful to recall the courageous obedience of those who preceded us. In today’s world, many believers risk their lives in order to worship the One True God. Finally, we consider a memory from Miller regarding the focus of worship. At a meeting of the rhythm section, Miller announced he’d forgotten the sign and the wastebasket. Sign? Wastebasket? “Yes, the sign which says, ‘Deposit your ego in here, “ with an arrow pointing to the wastebasket. “ Worship is not about us. God is our audience; it’s all for Him. “Come let us worship and bow down . . . before the Lord . . . .” Psalm 95:6. Lynette Flick is Dave’s wife of 49 years, mom of three adult children, and Gma of six. She enjoys participation in The Chapel’s worship ministry and Women’s Ministry’s Bible studies. |