Passion: The Bright Light Of Glory By Louie GiglioSample

More Than A Song

There are few things more heavenly than standing (or kneeling) in a crowd of tens of thousands of followers of Jesus singing songs of praise to the One who sets us free. It’s a sliver of what’s to come, and though it doesn’t hold a candle to the celebration that awaits us in heaven, it’s the best we have for now as we navigate a fallen world.

But worship can’t be contained in our songs alone. True worship is so much more. When the grace of God explodes in our hearts and we awaken to the reality that we are sought after, forgiven, ransomed and free, we snap out of our me-centered way of thinking and click into God’s beating heart for the last and least of these on earth.

And we discover that our songs of worship are not the final destination. They are the fuel that propels us as we run to the broken, the imprisoned, the slave, the weak.

God loves songs of praise that reflect His glory. Yet, God also loves justice and those who carry it in their hands. “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:15-16.

Worship and justice are two sides of the same coin. You really can’t have one without the other. This is the worship that God desires.

He says: “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” Psalm 82:3-4.

It’s good to tell God, “my heart is Yours,” but it makes Him really happy when you also tell Him you will not turn away from those He loves. Jesus declared that the Spirit of God was on His life, something we all want desperately to experience and claim. But note the anointing wasn’t for Him alone. The power of God came on Jesus so He could free us:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19.

The Holy Spirit doesn’t empower us for feel good stories. He makes us bold so we can join God’s justice mission. For when we truly believe the songs we sing, and claim the freedom they proclaim, we are compelled to break down the walls of injustice so others can hear the music. This is the kind of worship that is truly heavenly.