Worship Gone Awry

Asking Christians to define corporate worship is a fascinating exercise in diversity. Some respond that worship is focusing one's attention on God. Others claim that worship is coming into contact with God through music. For some, worship is hearing the Word of God; being inspired by a message - whether spoken or sung. For many, worship must be accompanied by appropriate emotional stimulation. How they "feel" is paramount to these folks. There are more ways that people define worship - too numerous to recount here. Suffice it to say that most of the answers reveal an "individualistic" and subjective approach.

While almost all of these answers contain some element of truth, few people have a Scriptural definition of corporate worship in mind when answering this question. As we suggested in a previous article, the Scriptural defintion of corporate worship is based on the establishment and renewal of a covenant relationship with God. Through the salvific work of His Son, God has offered us a covenant relationship with Him as His family. Covenants have two components - Word and Sign. As we have outlined, worship is a revisiting of the Word (or stipulations) and Sign (sacrifice or meal) which ratifies or renews the covenant. Acts 2:42 reveals that the early Church followed this pattern in their gatherings. "They devoted themselves to the Apostles' teaching, to fellowship, the breaking of bread and the prayers." For centuries, Christian worship has been defined and shaped in terms of covenant. Twin peaks are evident: Hearing God's Word, and participating in the body and blood of Christ through bread and cup (1 Corinthians 10:16). This is Scriptural worship - the sacred assembly of God's family engaging in covenant renewal.

If worship is defined correctly as "covenant renewal," how many churches really engage in Scriptural worship? While most churches include some form of preaching, few of them share the Table of the Lord every Sunday. I believe this is worship gone awry.

Allow me to illustrate. Suppose a couple is preparing for their wedding. They have decorated the church with beautiful flowers and candles, arranged for the music and musicians, and invited all of their friends and family. The big day arrives and everything proceeds "without a hitch". Everyone arrives at the gathering. The music begins right on time. With candles burning, mothers and grandmothers in place, the bride processes down the aisle and the bride and groom stand together before the minister. When the music finally ends, the minister proceeds to share some Scripture passages and his homily on the meaning of marriage. Then, there is a recessional and everyone goes home.

Consider this scenario for a moment. Was this really a wedding? What seems to be missing? The vows are missing. There is the Word, but there is no sign to ratify the covenant. Typically, weddings include sacred vows and several signs (including spoken vows, rings, the kiss and the consumation later on).

Many churches approach worship like the unfinished wedding above. Their worship is incomplete. Sure, they have a gathering with copious amounts of music, and a dominant message. But they do not include the second peak - the Table of the Lord. At the Table, we renew our covenant vow with the Lord. In Hebrew this term means to "seven yourself." The number seven stands for completion or perfection. In Greek, taking an oath is related to "binding Satan." In Latin, the word for oath is "sacramentum" and speaks of loyalty. Worship without this component is unfinished and is akin to the non-wedding, and synagogue assemblies which have the Word of God, but no sacrifice/sign.

Jesus held out the cup to His disciples and said, "This is the New Covenant in my blood...do this..." The New Testament Church did. So should we!