March 5, Tuesday ~ Giving Up Going Through the Motions

DAY 18: Giving Up Going Through the Motions

Today we are to fast from just going through the motions and even though the emphasis is on how we worship, Ressler reminds us that our worship is not confined to what happens inside the church building. The passage from Isaiah 11:13-14 makes it very clear how God feels about the state and style of worship.

Stop bringing meaningless offerings!    Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations—    I cannot bear your worthless assemblies.Your New Moon feasts and your appointed festivals    I hate with all my being.

There is no mistaking how God feels when we miss the original intention of our worship, our attention, our praise, and our gathering together. “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6)

My granddaughters and I love playing “Sloth in a Hurry.” It is a combination of charades and improv. First, you draw a card telling WHO (a clown, a dinosaur, a chicken, a sloth, etc). Then, you draw a card that tells you WHAT (taking a selfie, juggling plates, ice skating, reading a book). Finally, you spin a wheel to discover what special circumstances are involved (in an earthquake, with a broken leg, in a blinding blizzard, in slow motion). There are so many layers to the game that oftentimes you forget the original WHO and WHAT, but we certainly have fun.  

I don’t think God wants me to play “Sloth in a Hurry” with God’s abundant mercy and unconditional love as they are to be seen and expressed in worship. Those sacred characteristics shouldn’t be tucked away in layers or obfuscated by rituals whose meanings have been long lost. I need to be careful not to get too wrapped up in the setting and visual/social impact of what should be immediately recognized as a holy encounter.

“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.” John 4:23

At any point if you are feeling overwhelmed by this content or just want to have a further discussion about the topic, feel free to contact pastormattbridges@gmail.com or wendy@encompassthespirit.com