For those of you who were around and remember, did your life change significantly because of the events of 911? Unless you lost a loved one, had someone in the military, or are a first responder, I’m guessing your answer is “no.” There have been some changes here and there, maybe a greater appreciation of world events, but most of us are still going on with our lives in more or less the same fashion as pre-911. I don’t say any of this to minimize what happened on that tragic day, but to emphasize how blessed we’ve been. For except for a few isolated incidents, the biggest change for most of us is the increased security when flying.
Has your lifestyle changed significantly because of the events of the cross and resurrection? I hope you answer is “Duh!” (or whatever it is they’re saying these days). Because of us embracing those events, we’ve been born again. We’re like the earth in Noah’s day—the old things have passed away and we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5). We are being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4), and are being transformed into His likeness (2 Corinthians 3).
This is what worship is all about—not just celebrating the change that has come into our lives, but celebrating the One who brings those changes. For it’s not the gospel of the changed life, but the gospel of the One who changes lives.
Most of us remember Congress gathering on the steps on the Capitol building to sing God Bless America on 911. It was an inspiring sight to see the men and women who were leading us seeking God’s blessing for our country. Unfortunately, that attitude didn’t last. Over the next decade they would entertain some of the most anti-God legislation in history. What happened?
While our great need for God obviously hasn’t changed, our perception of it has. When we were in a crisis, we desperately needed God and we knew it. Now that we’re no longer in that situation, our sensitivity to our dependence for God has unfortunately diminished.
That’s the way it can be with worship as well. It’s easy at times to worship God but to do it consistently, in all seasons of life–well, that’s another matter, isn’t it? That requires a mature recognition of our dependence upon God. But most of all, we simply need to see His worthiness to be praised.
2 “Sing to the LORD, praise his name;
proclaim his salvation day after day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
4 For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise.” (Psalm 96:2-4). May we sing on the steps in all seasons!
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 