Singing in the worship band gives me a unique viewpoint of our church on Sundays. On my assigned weeks, I stand on stage waiting for the service to begin. People are still filing in as the taped music stops and the worship leader steps up to the microphone to welcome the congregation. The lights dim as the tap of the drumsticks signal the band to begin.
Soon the swell of the music and a chorus of voices – young and old – fill the room. By the second song, the house lights are completely off and the only lights shining in the room are on us. Except for the back door. Which is where I face.
Each time the door opens to let in latecomers, outside light shines brightly for a brief moment. From where I stand, it’s like a spot light. It’s so bright, and so far away, that I can’t see the faces of those who come in late. But every once in awhile I dream … sort of one of those awakening dreams. But this one feels real. I dream that Jesus walks in.
In my mind, I see Him walking up the aisle. No one notices Him because their eyes are focused on the words on the screen, or they are closed in worship. He slowly looks left then right. He keeps on walking toward the front. Finally, He reaches the steps below me and slowly ascends them. When He gets to the top of the stage, He turns to receive the worship that is being offered Him.
I wonder what Jesus feels as He looks out over the flock of people. Is He pleased? Is He frustrated that so many thoughts are on lunch? Does He want to reach out and grab the hands that are raised in worship and surrender?
Sometimes I long to see Jesus walk in my church so desperately, I can feel my heart pound. Can you imagine what would happen? Can you imagine how people would grab their friends with diseases and go running toward Him? Can you imagine parents carrying their hurting children to Him? The press of people would be intense. Those with addictions, emotional hurts and illnesses would stretch out their hands just to touch Him. People would drop to their knees in adoration.
Before I “awake” and realize it was only a dream, I remember the words of Jesus: “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). And I realized that Jesus has come to my church. He is there to receive my worship. He is there to touch the hands of the broken hearted. He longs to heal those who are hurting.
Unfortunately, many times I’m simply hoping that God will “show up.” As if He might be too busy to stop by my church that day. Yet by Jesus’ very own words, He is already there. My waking dream is a reality. Maybe Jesus doesn’t stand next to me, but He’s in the room. I need that truth to soak into my heart every time I gather with other believers.
The same Jesus who healed the blind man and raised the dead, has come to our church this week.
In His Love,
Glynnis
P.S. I’ll be giving away the book “Setting Up Stones: A Parent’s Guide to Making Your Home a Place of Worship.” To enter the drawing, please leave a comment and share your favorite worship song. I’ll select a winner at random on Sunday, May 17th at 5 p.m. Make sure to include your email address so we can contact you!
I just read your blog and it gave me goosebumps. There are so many times when I just walk into the building and just know Jesus is there with us all! It’s such an amazing and sometimes such an overwhelming feeling. All you can really do is smile, sit and worship all the more to the one who’s presence we all long for. We are all wanting to be the one who gets to touch Jesus as he’s walking around among us all as we worship to his grace and wanted presence.
The one song that has touched me to my very soul is Sweetly Broken by Jeremy Riddle. That song completely broke me down the day I came to Christ. I have never, ever felt the feelings I did on that day!!!
What a moving picture your painted for us, Glynnis! I think I’m going to experience worship in a new “light” next Sunday!
Kim – you have won the book “Setting Up Stones.” Please send me an email at gwhitwer@cox.net so I can get in contact with you.
The very first time I visited Vineyard with a friend, the congregation united in singing Jeremy Riddle’s “Sweetly Broken”. Never in all my life, had I heard such a beautiful song of worship, with so many raised voices, singing with such emotion (and harmony). I had never attended a church previous to this, where the congregation was so engaged, where everyone sang from the heart. Not because it was church, and that’s what you do – but, because they truly wanted to worship and express their love and devotion. But, it didn’t end there, I had never even heard this song before, and somehow, I was able to sing along, not only because the lyrics were on the screen, but it was as if the words found me. I know that God was there that day, I know that I was expressing my love for him, and I know that I was receiving his love at that same moment. My eyes filled with tears, I felt such peace. This experience has been repeated so often over the years during times of worship at Vineyard. I believe that He is definitely there with us. And, I am forever “sweetly broken”.