(36) The Heart of Worship is Expressive

(Note: This is part of a continuing series of posts on The Heart of Worship & Psalm 95)

Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us Kneel

(Psalm 95:6)

When something impacts our hearts, our actions will follow. These Hebrew words convey a outward, physical expression of worship. Remember, the Hebrew word translated “worship” here includes the idea of prostrating yourself or bowing in respect. The word translated “bow down” obviously includes physical expression. The third expression is also very clear, “kneel.” They are very nearly exact synonyms with only slightly differing meanings.

We have noted that these expressions are rooted in a heart of humility. But there is something else we need to consider here. That is the biblical appropriateness of physical expression in worship.

The first time I studied worship in scripture and saw this truth I didn’t know what to do with it. I come from a background completely devoid of any physical expression in worship beyond singing . . . and pretty restrained expression in singing at that. And as I studied scripture, I saw that some of the physical expressions I was led to shun and think to be unbiblical were actually encouraged in scripture!

As with musical expression, scripture also encourages and even commands a variety of physical expressions in worship:

So, what do I do with this when my tradition tells me these things have no place in worship? Well, I begin by getting a bit confused. Then, I begin to question the traditions. Then, because I hold scripture as my ultimate authority in faith and practice, I dismiss the tradition and cling to scripture. And I conclude that these physical expressions in worship are not wrong, they should not be discouraged. Rather, God’s people should be encouraged because scripture encourages us to kneel, prostrate themselves, raise their hands, bow down, clap their hands, and yes, even dance in worship.

Ok, let me get a little more personal. If I say I value God above everything else, that I worship God, and yet, I am inhibited in my worship, because of what others will think of me, what does that say? My actions say I value the opinions, acceptance, and approval of man more than I value God. At that moment, I have ceased to worship God! What matters more, what man says or thinks or what God says? Doesn’t it occur to us that something is wrong when we can jump and shout for joy and clap, and dance at a ball game and yet, we would never get so excited and overjoyed with the glory of our God to do the same thing?

I am not encouraging everyone who attends a church where these physical expressions are not welcome to go into church this Sunday and throw yourself on the floor, then get up and dance while you throw your hands in the air and wave ‘em like you just don’t care. But, let us all recognize that the physical expressions of scripture should not be shunned. We should not look down on those who do the things encouraged if not commanded in scripture. And, we ought to think carefully about why we are not doing them. Let’s base our practice of worship on scripture.

Soli Deo Gloria

Next:  (37)  The Heart of Worship is Reverent & Submissive