One of the mistakes that some Christians make is to think that “big worship” as in that found at a Christian convention or megachurch is more important to God than the worship in a small congregation or house church.
Yes, it’s true that more people are involved in big worship and the number of “bells and whistles” of musicians, electronic media and cool-looking settings tends to be higher.
But the last time I checked, the Bible promises that if two or three people are gathered in the name of Christ, He’ll be there and the people will be having church.
I’m in no way criticizing big worship. Actually, I like it when I have the opportunity to participate.
But big worship should never be established as a requirement for effective worship.
I share this today because of my reading this morning from 2 Chronicles 6-8. King Solomon’s dedication of the brand-new Jerusalem Temple is described in this passage and it is an amazing event with countless thousands of Israelites present for at least 14 days. During that time, 144,000 animals are sacrificed.
That’s right — 144,000 bulls, sheep and goats.
It was an amazing time with appointed, anointed professional musicians leading the worship.
I don’t know that we can identify with these worshipers since most of us have never experienced even a several-day, all-day revival/worship service.
Fourteen days… all day… worshiping…wow.
What moved me from this passage was not the big show of big worship, even though that was incredibly impressive.
Instead, it was the core message of God to Solomon and the nation. Here’s my paraphrase — “When troubles come because I’m disciplining your spiritual apathy toward Me, humble yourself, pray and seek My face as you repent of your sins and self-will. Then I will heal your land. If you don’t, your land and your temple will be destroyed by your enemies with My permission.”
The key passage containing the above promises of God is found in 2 Chronicles 7:12-21.
Here’s the wrap-up. No matter the size of the worship, this core message still applies: if we walk in faith, whether it’s out of an arena church or out of a house church meeting in a trailer, the promises above still apply.
Let’s not fall into the trap of thinking big worship is more important than the “big idea” of putting God first in all things, even if it means having to swallow our pride in order to take the medicine that restores our place in His presence.
Remember, no matter how big our worship experience is, if we haven’t humbled ourselves to the point of a repentant heart, we’re probably not worshiping God but instead the experience.
As always, I love you
Martin
