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The Method and Craft of Worship
by Alex M. Lindsay
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Reference: Psalm 148, Psalm 150

Method and Craft

On one hand, worship is something done spontaneously, from the heart (Psalm 149:5 - even when you are in bed!). On the other hand, worship is something skillful and deserves attention and practice (Psalm 33:3; 68:24-26). In this section, we want to focus on words, in the Psalms, that describe and instruct about the way worship should be done and how it should sound. With Instruments

The very word "psalm" refers to plucking a string or playing a harp; to play and sing; to celebrate with music (note Psalm 66:2 "sing forth" & Psalm 105:2; 149:3 "sing psalms/praises"). See Psalm 33:2-3; 71:22-23; 98:5; 149:3; 150:3-5. Psalm 33:3 says to "play skillfully." This word means "to do well"; "to sound beautiful." That takes effort and practice.

Clap and Shout

The expressions "shout," "joyful noise," and "loud noise" all come from the same Hebrew word. This word means "to split the ears;" (make a noise like thunder); "to cry with a loud voice;" "to shout for joy" (or for mourning). It is sometimes used to describe noises people make when they are in war - for triumph or to honor someone. It certainly can't be done half-heartedly! See Psalm 47:1; 66:1; 81:1; 95:1; 98:4; 100:1.

Dance

The Hebrew word simply means "to turn, twist and dance to music." See Psalm 149:3; 150:4. You may not be able to reconcile this with your own tastes and abilities, but it seems reasonable to say that, if you see others doing this sincerely, it is best not to judge. Of course, this could get out of hand. So, can silence and stillness! Whatever you do, do it sincerely as unto the Lord! (I Corinthians 10:31-33; Colossians 3:17 cp. Romans 14:1-23; 15:1-7)

Lifting hands

When looking at I Timothy 2:8, it has been beneficial to compare the story of Moses, lifting up his hands, while Joshua was in battle. As Moses' arms / hands became too heavy, they started to go down. The battle went poorly when Moses' hands went down. To keep them up, Aaron and Hur came along side Moses and held his arms / hands up (Exodus 17:9-13). What a beautiful picture of praying for others who are in the Lord's service! Now, the Psalms give us some other ideas about the actual gesture of lifting up our hands when we worship.

  • A sign of showing a need and desire, as if to reach out to God with a request; to receive something from Him (Psalm 28:2; 141:2).
  • A sign of reaching out to God, as if to embrace Him (Psalm 63:4).
  • A sign of surrender and submission to Him (Psalm 119:48)
  • A sign of standing up for Him; to stand up and be counted (Psalm 134:2; 138:1)

A Prophetic Encouragement

We sometimes feel small and insignificant in a world that is carnal, materialistic and hostile to the knowledge and worship of God. The Scriptures encourage us that God's worship is what will endure the test of time. One day, the whole earth shall be filled with the glorious praise and worship of God. It is great to be able to get in on the permanent world-trend early! See Psalm 66:4; 67:1-7 cp. Isaiah 11:1-9; 60:1-5; Malachi 1:11; Philippians 2:10-11.

To God be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen! (Ephesians 3:21)

Worship is not the Pastor's job. It is not the Music & Worship committee's job. It is the church's job. Everyone has something to do. We must start with putting our own heart and mind in order (Psalm 27:8; 57:7; 103:1; 108:1; 119:10-11). We must actively be bringing our lives into order, so that we have a testimony (Psalm 29:2; 32:11; 33:1; 96:9; Colossians 3:12-17). Spiritual worship should be infectious / contagious (Psalm 34:1-3; Matthew 5:13-16). Worship should not create a battlefield in the church. Of course, the church needs to have discernment, but competition, pride, selfishness, condemning, groaning and moaning should not be allowed to operate amongst God's people (Galatians 5:24-26; Ephesians 3:14-21; 4:1-3, 11-15, 26-27, 30-32; 5:1-2; James 4:1-12; 5:8-9).

The Corinthian church is known for its squabbling and side-tracking issues. Paul gave the Corinthian church an excellent formula that we can apply here:

"…Let all things be done unto edifying." - I Corinthians 14:26
We are here to build up each other, not tear each other apart (Galatians 5:13-16).

"Let all things be done decently and in order." - I Corinthians 14:40
A decent and gracious spirit is needed, along with correct behavior (Philippians 2:3; 4:5).

"Let all your things be done with charity / love." - I Corinthians 16:14
See I Corinthians 13:1-8, 13; I Peter 4:7-10.

Originally delivered May 7, 2017
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