Imagine being invited to dine at the most influential and wealthiest person’s home in your city. As you try to get over the fact you were invited at all, you’d probably be curious: why was I invited? After you are convinced this is real, you prepare for the big evening. Clothes: check. Teeth brushed: check. Car washed: check. Manners: check.
The big night is here! You are greeted at the door by a butler and escorted in. Suddenly the host appears. He and his wife are thrilled you have come. Something is awry as you look around. You are the only one invited. The meal is served and it is perfect. The conversation is all about you: your dreams, your goals, your marriage, your kids, your family. After dessert (a perfect chocolate mousse cake with raspberry puree!), everyone shares their favorite song, poem, book, or movie. The evening ends with an invitation to come again. It was perfect. The next day what do you do? (Hint: what did your mother teach you?) Write a “thank-you” note!
God has invited us to an incredible feast. Jesus, His Son, has opened the door to the parlor and greets us like an excited host. Through His incredible gift of love, grace, mercy and redemption He has made it possible for all who desire, to come and partake of His Father’s feast. Once we walk through the door (John 10:7) we begin to experience a meal of love, joy, peace and fellowship that makes anything else seem like a quick grub fest at a greasy spoon. So what then is our response to God? (Hint: what did your mother teach you?) Worship, no matter the style, culture or location, is our thank-you note to God.
In Luke 19:37-38 Jesus is journeying toward Jerusalem and a multitude of His followers began shouting “Blessed is the King who comes in the Name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” The text reveals why they were shouting: they began to praise God for all the mighty works they had seen. What mighty works have you seen? What miracles have happened in your life? What have you prayed about lately that you have seen the answer revealed?
As we gather to worship, how ever we worship, our songs – recitations – sacraments – prayers – rejoicing – praying – weeping – are our “thank-you” notes to God. Does He want to be thanked? (See Luke 17:11-19). Try it, and watch your heart enlarge and His blessings flow.
