Emmanuel Lutheran Church

August 2010

At the end of the workday, the whistle blows or the clock strikes “quitting time” and everyone leaves for there are a hundred other things to do. At the end of the school day, the bell rings and everyone leaves for there are other things to do. For many, church is the same way. The last hymn is sung, the bell chimes, and everyone leaves for there are a hundred other things to do.

Worship becomes for us just another thing to do in a busy schedule. For some, it is “required” like work or school. For others, it is a matter of choice on whether to go to church or do something else that day. For some, it is not unlike attending a regularly scheduled community organization function; after all, it is a function of the organization of which they are a member – the church.

I suspect that very few today really and truly treat worship in the manner which it is meant and this may be because “worship” is never really defined in scripture. In Greek, there are several words that we translate into “worship.” The most frequently used in the New Testament is “proskuneo” which literally means “towards, to kiss.” Other words used mean “to revere,” “to honor religiously,” “to serve” and “to act piously towards.”

My WORSHIP WORDBOOK defines worship as “offering adoration, praise, and thanksgiving to God in recognition of God’s holiness and in response to what God has done, continues to do, and promises yet to do for his people and for all creation.”

Worship isn’t meant to be done only when things are going well. Worship isn’t meant to be avoided if God seemingly hasn’t done anything for you lately. Above all else, God is worthy of our worship because of what he promises to do and will do. Worship with the assembly of the body of Christ provides an opportunity unlike any other to hear the Word proclaimed and receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion with fellow Christians who struggle in faith and life just as you do.

Come and “lean towards” God and “kiss” him in worship this week. And do not leave worship like you do any other event or activity. From worship you are sent with a mission to serve the Lord and then expected to return with joy to share all that you have experienced in Jesus’ name. (Luke 10:17)

Blessings,
Pastor Alan