Why We Do What We Do
St Paul wrote that the things he wanted to do, he didn’t do, and the things he didn’t want to do were the very things that he did. Ok, nobody ever said Paul was succinct. But, what he was saying is that we know right from wrong. (That came to us when we ate the forbidden fruit from the tree of the Knowledge of Good & Evil.) We know what we are supposed to do. We even, truly, want to do those good and right things. But our humanity gets in the way and we are led astray, following worldly ways. We may say, “the devil made us do it,” but sinful nature is the real culprit. And we can resist sin, but sometimes it is comforting to know that even saints have had trouble with compliance.
But, what I really wanted to address this month are some of the things we do at worship and why we do them. That sentence brings up the first point. We go to “church” to worship. I think, at times, we all forget that purpose. Fellowship with our family of faith is a wonderful, supportive thing. Hearing beautiful music and inspiring words is great. But, the real reason that we come together is to worship the God of our creation. We meet to recognize His sovereignty, remember all He has done for us, and reverently plea for continual guidance, blessing and support. Initially, we enter His halls “with silence, His courts with praise,” with a sense of hushed respect, preparing for worship in prayerful communication with our Lord. Our silence helps us to focus on heaven and allows our neighbor to also prepare for worship, prayerfully. We meet on the first day of the week to honor and commemorate the resurrection, or Easter. So, those who wish to only worship on Easter should note that each Sunday is an Easter celebration.
Most services begin with confession of our sins and absolution from guilt. This act makes us pure and acceptable to enter into God’s presence. It’s much like washing our hands before sitting down to eat a meal. Although we believe that faith in Christ has cleansed us of our sins, we participate in confession and absolution as we recognize our sinful nature and Christ’s regular activity of forgiveness and salvation in our lives.
Next, we sing a hymn of praise or prayer. Now, there are those who feel that they have no voice for singing. But we are all called to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. So, hymns of worship are not an optional activity. If our voice needs a break, that’s fine, but we follow the words to get the message God is speaking to us. Opening our hymnals helps us to open ourselves to the Lord.
We hear the Word of God read, proclaimed and interpreted from the pulpit. Sometimes we receive comfort, sometimes we receive admonishment, sometimes we receive inspiration, and sometimes we receive enlightenment. In response to the Word we confess our faith in the Triune God who hears and heals. A time of prayers brings us together as a family of faithful believers thanking God, praising God, and asking Him for help and guidance.
A unique opportunity is ours when we share the Peace of the Lord. This is the Peace that Christ spoke of being quite different from any peace that the world may be able to provide; a Peace that passes all understanding. It is the Peace of Christ, a heavenly Peace. As we share His Peace with our neighbor, we make eye contact and feel the warmth and worth of this loving act.
The Lord’s Supper joins us together with all believers in Holy Communion. By His hand, Christ feeds us a meal of forgiveness, incorporation, sustenance and love. Cleansed by Grace, inspired and instructed by the Word, connected by prayer, and fortified by Christ’s table, we are able to go forth prepared to do His will.
As our worship time comes to a close we go in peace to serve the Lord. We began our worship in prayerful preparation as we spoke to the Lord. During worship, we allowed the Lord to speak to us. Following worship, we speak with one another, greeting friends and newcomers.
What a way to start our week! And, we get to do this every week!
John Piper for the Learning Team