The Messenger - April 16, 2008

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How would you like to worship in a church where instrumental music has been banned? My wife, Kim, grew up in a congregation like that, and she really learned how to sing, but most of us would be appalled. What's worship without instruments like the organ, the piano, the drum set, and so on? What's Easter Sunday without a trumpet? What's Christmas Eve without that solo violin? Perhaps I've gotten spoiled by the quality of musicians here, because it's hard for me to fathom church worship without them.

I recently heard a story about a worship leader who was forced to abandon instruments in worship. He served a contemporary congregation with a large and lively band, but the pastor felt this band was creating rock n' roll enthusiasts--not worshippers of God. Thus, he banished instruments for several months that year. Initially, the congregation recoiled at this directive--the music felt so thin and weak. But, gradually, they learned to sing without them. They also learned to think of worship in a very different way.

As hard as it was for the congregation to make this sort of change, imagine how hard it must have been for Matt Redman, the worship leader. After all, he was a musician, and God often spoke to him through song. But he must have also felt responsible for the secular rock "aura" that his pastor had decried. We don't know exactly how Matt dealt with this, but we know he must have spent several hours in prayer.

In a brief but brilliant moment of inspiration, Matt turned one of those prayers into a song that he presented to his pastor. Then, when the "ban" was lifted, Matt presented this song to his church. It was an instant hit. Not only did it bless that congregation, it also blessed the lives of millions who eventually heard it on contemporary Christian radio. We heard it on Youth Sunday just last week, and the words are worth repeating here:

When the music fades--
All is stripped away
And I simply come,
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth--
That will bless Your heart

I'll bring You more than a song,
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required.
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear--
You're looking into my heart!

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus.
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You--
It's all about You, Jesus.

King of endless worth,
No one could express
How much You deserve.
Though I'm weak and poor,
All I have is Yours--
Every single breath .

I'll bring You more than a song,
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required.
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear--
You're looking into my heart!

I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You,
It's all about You, Jesus.
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it,
When it's all about You--
It's all about You, Jesus.

I've heard a lot of sermons, and I've heard a lot of songs through the years. But I've rarely heard "the heart of worship" more poignantly expressed. Isn't it wonderful that our youth sung this prayer for us?

Neal

David's Team ----- Bye
Jim's Team    ----- 5 & 6pm
Erik & Carrie  ----- Bye
Brad & Maureen - 8pm

Get your burgers, chips and soda served up fresh with a big helping of song and dance at the First Pres. Rockin' Diner on Sunday, April 17th.  This exciting luncheon theater experience will take place immediately after the morning worship service. 

Tickets are still only $5.  Contact any King's Chorus member or Lesley Sirianni to get yours.

1. he was the best they had
2. all the men of Israel were afraid of Goliath
3. the men of Israel forced him to
4. none of the above