The Glories of AltarsShembull

Worship

wor·ship| ˈwər SHəp | verb

—to magnify God for who He is; to say back to God what He reveals about His character and ways

Oh, the glory of Him who created all things, the splendor of His flawless character and matchless name, the surety of His reaching, sacrificial love. He is worthy, worthy, worthy of our proclamation of His perfections. At this altar we intentionally worship the Lord Most High.

My working definition of worship is simply saying back to God what He reveals about His character and ways. When I perceive the Lord’s holiness, or truth, or compassion, or healing, or zeal, or mercy touching my life or those I love through the Word or day-to-day life, it is my joy to intentionally fix my gaze upon Him and express the revelation back to Him as worship. “Oh, Lord, You are …” I often linger at this altar to allow waves of adoration to fully flow from my heart to His as He washes me in His love. His love both inspires and sustains worship.

There is also a tenant of worship that the Lord treasures because it requires active faith. It has been called “the sacrifice of praise” (Heb. 13:15). When we cannot yet see God revealing Himself in our circumstance, we can still choose to worship Him for who He is. In liminal waiting, our worship is perhaps its most gorgeous. I wonder what the expression on the Lord’s face must be as He receives it.

The altar of worship would not be complete without broadening our scope to the altar of corporate worship. Amalgamated voices. Holy symphony. Worship is our present honor and joy and the future glory of the Church. Halleluiah!

Let Us Worship

• Allow the testimony of Scripture, the testimony of the saints in any age, or your own revelation of God to touch your heart profoundly. What do you perceive about God there?
• Simply say back to God what He is revealing about His character and ways. Let your awe pass to Him in waves of reverence and receive back His rich love like soaking rain.
• If you or someone you love is in crisis, and you cannot perceive God’s intervention yet, worship God for who He is. Know that your faith in His character in the midst of uncertainty or pain is a priceless gift to your Father.
• Next time you are gathered with other disciples of Jesus, look around; worship with your family whole-heartedly as the Holy Spirit makes you one.