The Intrinsic Power of Proclaimed Worship

These two posts (one and two) urge us to view our whole lives as worship - through what we do, who we are, and how we perceive things. Such a life goes in tandem with direct 'proclaiming' worship, be that in speaking out words or in song.

2 Chronicles 20 is a wonderful example of this. Faced with dire trouble the people collectively seek God in v4-13 (as an aside, note the 'all-age' nature of this in v13!). An encouraging prophecy is given (always good!) v15-17.

This leads to a specific act of worship: all the people using their bodies (a falling on the ground thing - can we reserved Brits learn anything from this?). Some loud voice stuff is thrown in too for good measure.

And then the next morning the army goes out to fight. As well as some 'Ra-Ra encouraging word from leader' type stuff the king makes one other strategic move: he gets people to sing God's praises as they make their journey (v21).

Look what happens as they sing (i.e. the direct 'proclaiming' kind of worship) - v22f. The enemy is self-defeated before the Israelites even get there!

There is intrinsic power in proclaimed worship: when people deliberately and purposefully speak/sing out God's praises, direct from their contrite worshipping hearts. Let us not forget that.

Let's Not Be Age-ist

In the ups and downs of successive kings of Judah Asa very much looks like one of the good guys. He reforms things, gets an encouraging prophecy (see 2 Chronicles 15) and seems to get on with the job.

It seems only right doesn't it - as he progresses in age, gaining maturity and wisdom, surely he can command due respect from the people. Getting the nation's corporate faith back on track is good reason for everyone to honour his decisions and follow his leading.

He has done good, he is older and wiser => he must always be respected.

Yet in his later years, when he was getting on a bit, he seems to lose the plot. In obtaining the aid of the king of Aram he seems to forget that the Lord is his help.

One guy stands against him in this (see 16:7). How hard it must have been to criticise, or even be seen to be criticising. Everything, even everyone else around would probably have just gone with the age+past-track-record predicate.

But let's not be age-ist. Everyone of us is capable of getting it wrong, of veering from proper commitment to God's ways. Age and accrued wisdom do not insulate us from this possibility. An old person can mess up, a young person can be genuinely inspired by the Spirit.

Trust God for Resources Whenever and Wherever Needed

Through 1 Chronicles chapters 11 to 20 David and his warriors win many military victories. Each time God goes with them and gives them the victory they need. There is never any question of resources - whatever the odds, God sees them through. Note also how on the whole such campaigns are defensive, with the fights largely provoked by the neighbouring enemy kings.

Yet in chapter 21 David does a foolish thing, and commands a count be taken to assess the size of his army. What is David doing? Maybe he now wants to switch to a more offensive mode, and checks his resources for the task? One way or the other he shows a lack of trust in God for ongoing provision. Rather than experiencing God's provision month on month where and when he needs it, he now prefers to do his own resource management.

From this episode you get the 3 days of plague, but God has mercy bring a halt at the threshing floor of Araunah (v15). This becomes the location of the altar and eventually the temple to which the whole of Israel will be drawn to worship and meet with God (22:1).

So the meeting place with God has its roots in David's lack of trust in God's provision - his sin. Wonderful though the temple became, and extraordinary as a focal point for meeting God, the fact is its location was born out of a man of God who failed to appreciate that God could be trusted for the right resources whenever and wherever they would be needed.

From that point on people might travel miles to try and meet with God, forgetting that out in the heat of battle God can be there to meet the needs that present themselves.

Leadership and Authority

What is your view of leadership and authority?

Now compare it to the Biblical view - especially that found in Jesus and the rest of the New Testament?

Now try and square typical 'roles' in church life and leadership (as you have previously understood them) with your latest thinking ...