In the video of U2's Elevation tour, I noticed how the crowd got into most of the songs. But something happened when the tone turned from just a rock concert to a time of worship. Toward the end of the concert, Bono focused on God by singing parts of "How long will we sing this song." Then he said, "We're going to give back to God for the blessings that he has poured out on us." Then the concert went into a sweet rendition of "I Still Haven't Found What I Am Looking For." This song captures the angst of those who long for more than this world has to offer - the great void in each of us that only God can fill.
For a few minutes, the concert entered a special place where many people were focused on something bigger than the music or the band. It wasn't about the fantastic light show or the way that Bono interacted with the audience. People raised their hands for a different reason - not to touch the rock star or to be part of the crowd. No - some of them reached their hands to touch the divine. They communed one-on-one with God amidst a crowd of thousands.
Then it hit me what was so special about worship. Even the best "secular" concert will never match the way someone feels in the middle of an intense worship experience. Sure, the "secular" concert may stir our emotions and provide momentary pleasure. But only God can touch into the depths of our soul and heal us. Worship is really all about God. Yet, we get transformed in the process. God gives meaning to everything including music. And if we are every really touched deeply by music it is always because the lyrics or melody somehow embody the work and essence of God.
Matt Redmond once wrote that a good worship leader is one who invites us to join into his story, and yet somehow manages to slip out the back door, leaving us to meet face-to-face with Jesus.
Meeting Jesus and giving Him the honor and glory that He deserves...that is what worship is all about. People get wrapped up in how the musicians sound or if the PA system cracks. But true worshippers never look at worship as if it were a concert where they are watching the show. No, true worshippers engage the living God by declaring who He is. True worshippers block out all else to stare at the beauty of their risen Lord. True worshippers elevate to the throne room of God regardless of what others do around them. True worshippers are not likely to say that they couldn't "get into the music" because the band sounded off or they didn't like the songs. True worshippers are not worried about looking cool or fitting in to what others are doing around them. They know that you really can't worship God freely if you are concerned about what others think. True worshippers elevate everyone else because they touch the divine by daring to focus only on Jesus.
Jesus, I want to elevate to where You are. I don't want to meander around like everyone else. I want to soar high with You and be free to be whoever You want me to be. May I lose myself in You. Elevate me Lord to Your life. May I dare to be extravagant in my worship.
Jesus, You are worthy of all praise. You are trustworthy. You hold time in Your hands. And yet You care about every single face in the crowd. Thank You for giving me something to sing about. May my song never be ordinary or sung without passion. Cause me to abandon all to live a life of worship. Cause me to see You working in the everyday moments of life. Make me who You want me to be for only You can change my heart. Amen!
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