Worship Leadership: as Work of an Artistic Master Craftsman

 Our pastor, Dr. Steven Weems, has been going through Exodus these past weeks and gave special emphasis in 31:1-4 that God had equipped Bezalel as an “artistic master craftsman.”  The following thoughts find their genesis in that Bible study.   

Exodus 31: 1Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts.

Context: In Exodus 25 and following, God gives Moses details of how the Israelites worshipped. God has already equipped those He desires to lead out in this project. God is never haphazard in how He works. {Notice that though Moses does communicate the instructions, he does not do the work himself but relies on those to whom God has equipped.}                                        

See, I have chosen God had selected who He wanted: Bezalel, who was not even of the tribe of Levi, but of Judah.

I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge, and with all kinds of skills Whom God calls, He also equips, first he was filled with God’s Spirit. Notice that God’s infilling was for a specific purpose: to make artistic designs. To accomplish this task, God’s Spirit gave him wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and skills.  Knowledge alone was not enough; skill alone was not enough; he needed discernment that could only come from the wisdom and understanding that only the Spirit of God could give.

to make artistic designs {The NASB uses “devise devices” as in the work of a master craftsman.}

The images on top of the ark of the covenant and the others woven into the curtains were not images for worship, but reflections of God’s holiness and majesty. The command to have “no graven image” was related to worshiping something other than the one true God, not the elimination of art not used as objects of worship.

Why did God insist on using a Master Craftsman, that would be filled with His Spirit in the making of the objects used in the tabernacle for worship? Just as the heavens and earth reflect the majesty and glory of God which He created, so anything that was to be used in worship was to reflect God’s nature and character. God chose a human master craftsman to reflect the beauty inherent in all that He does, even though in its actual use, very few would see the Ark since it would be behind the curtain in the Holy of Holies. It was not just to “show off.”  All related to the worship needed to reflect God’s holiness, His purity; so that even the sacrifices themselves had to be “without spot or blemish.”

Applications for Present Worship Practice.

The passages are “descriptive” and not directly “prescriptive;” that is, they describe how God was establishing worship practice from a new model distinct from what they had seen in Egypt. They are not providing building plans for current worship centers; we are no longer limited to a single place but are commanded to worship in Spirit and Truth as found in John 4. Though not “prescriptive,” there are some principles and truths that can be helpful today.

1. God’s nature has not changed. He is holy, perfect, all-powerful, all-knowing, full of mercy, grace, and love. We need to approach God with the awe of Who He is and in gratitude for what He has done; never casually, or flippantly.

2. All we offer to God in worship needs to be the best we can offer.  The “best” for some will be different than others but is acceptable in a similar way that a pint jar “full” of water and a gallon jug “full” of water are both “full.”

3. Worship leadership must be committed to the leadership of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

4. Those involved in the leadership should aim toward developing their skills as a master craftsman. I am fully aware of the dangers and pitfalls of developing and performing as “art for art’s sake.” I am not promoting ridding our ministry teams of volunteers whose desire to serve is much greater than skilled artistry. Nor am I encouraging hiring only “professionals” who may be impeccable musicians, but lack spiritual depth. Worship is not performance. The success of the performance is based on audience response; in worship, there is only an audience of One– all participants yield all their efforts in the recognition of Who God is, What He has done, and responding in complete obedience to His commands.  Worship leadership is the facilitation of congregational response.

5. The temptation to “stop improving” is great, especially when we get to a point where we can function reasonably well, we allow the rigors of responsibility to take priority over skill development.  Great pianists remain that way because they never get to the point where they believe they don’t have to practice. The worship leaders that continue to develop the various aspects of their craft, while deepening their relationship and knowledge of God, maintain effectiveness throughout advancing years. Those who do not can become easily bored, discouraged, and seek other opportunities.

6. Whom God calls; He also equips. However, the equipping is a process that requires discipline on our part.

7. We must always remember that all that is done must be done for God’s glory and not that of those involved.

Haunting Thoughts: Psalm 106

Psalm 106 begins like so many of the others, a call for thanks and praise for who God is and what He as done [1-3]. In verses 4-5 the psalmist recites a personal plea for God to remember him with favor, which led him into a prayer of corporate confession of sin: not just for the sins of the past generation, but of those living now.

“6 We have sinned with our fathers, We have committed iniquity, We have done wickedly. 7 Our fathers in Egypt did not understand Your wonders; They did not remember the multitude of Your mercies, But rebelled by the sea—the Red Sea.”

He then remembers how God in His mercy and grace saved them from the attacking army and delivered them:

“8 Nevertheless He saved them for His name’s sake, That He might make His mighty power known. 9 He rebuked the Red Sea also, and it dried up; So He led them through the depths, As through the wilderness. 10 He saved them from the hand of him who hated them, And redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.”

When the threat was gone, they praised the Lord. But their focus was more on getting relief from their suffering than on praising God’s power and grace.

“11 The waters covered their enemies; There was not one of them left. 12 Then they believed His words; They sang His praise.”

Because their focus was on relief from suffering and hardship more than God and His goodness and grace, when the suffering stopped, they soon forgot all that God had done, and their focus returned to their pleasure and comfort. When they desired the meat and could only remember the “good times” of the past, they complained to God. However, God’s response this time was different:

“13 They soon forgot His works; They did not wait for His counsel, 14 But lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, And tested God in the desert. 15 And He gave them their request, But sent leanness into their soul.”

God gave them what they desired, but because their focus was not really on Him, He allowed them to attempt to fill their desires with that which could not be satisfied, resulting in a “leanness in their soul.” The word “leanness” here can also mean “wasting disease,” but the basic result is the same: God was allowing them to experience the result of their desire and focus. Their hope and trust were in something that could not bring the results they so desired.  

This passage sends cold chills down my spine, for how many times in times of difficulty do I focus on my desire not to have to suffer and cry out to God? How many times are we, as God’s people, more concerned with personal comfort than allowing God to reshape our nature and character after His? Regardless of the difficulty, nothing would be worth God giving us over to our “desire” but allowing the “leanness of our souls.”

Knowing that God’s desire for us to develop holiness is greater than just personal comfort is a daunting thought. Notice in the psalm that it was preceded by a time of thanks and praise– but they soon forgot. Regardless of how great our songs of praise and worship are, if we do not keep focusing on God and what He desires, then we too will “soon forget.” We will fall back into complaining and longing for “the better times.” I believe that it is even possible that God may send temporary relief that would only reveal that our true focus was not on Him, but on ourselves and we would be left with the leanness of our desires and not Him.                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

What is the remedy? What can we do? [1] Recognize as the psalmist did that some of their problems were of their own making, – they had sinned. [2] Confess sin, that is, see these thoughts, motives, and actions as God does: that which is contrary to His divine plan and will for our lives. [3] Repent: With the power of the Holy Spirit, turn our complaining into focusing on who God is and what He has done. [4] Remember: God desires that we reflect His nature and character so that the witness of His Spirit in us is not diminished or hindered and we bring Him glory.

What do we do with our desires and dreams that are good? In talking with my wife, Kathy, a godly woman with great insight, she stated it this way: Rather than try to force our way to realize our desires or do whatever it takes, we need to surrender these into God's hands and if He chooses to give it to us it will be at the right time and for His glory. If He chooses not to, we can know it was for our good and His glory. 

God's blessings.

Quick thoughts on growing older…

 Quick thoughts…

I was lamenting how age is affecting my body, and so many other aspects of the “me” I have understood for so many years, and in His kindness and mercy, God reminded me of the Zinias in our backyard. They were so beautiful for so long, and now they are barren, almost dead. Yet their purpose is not over, for out of their wilted blooms are  seeds we will use to plant again. We, too, are here only for limited time, to bloom and reflect God’s glory and purpose, but it does not end there, for we must be making seeds to pass on after we are gone.

An Application of Colossians 3:1-17 for Worship Leadership

Context: The Theme of Paul's Letter

Paul's letter to the church at Colossae was written from prison to address gnostic heresies, having been briefed by Epaphras, who started the church. Among the heresies Paul addressed were an inferior view of Christ, philosophies not based on Christ, legalistic observance of traditions, viewing the body as evil, and false teachers who claimed to have a special view above the Scriptures. Overall theme: Christ is sufficient. Chapters 1 and 2 deal with the theological topics mentioned and chapters 3 and 4 with practical exhortations to live out God's truth. [CSB Bible Study Commentary, & Logos ] This study will focus on 3:1-17, on how believers reflect Christlike character in their daily lives. {This study was inspired by Mike Harland's message at the SBC Church Music Conference, 2024. I am so grateful for his insights and the example he continues to live by.}

I. A New Life [Colossians 3:1-4 ]

 1. Since, [stated fact, because] then, you have been raised with Christ,[now have a new nature, a new position: with Christ.] set your hearts [affections, desires] on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [our desires, our affections set on Christ, who is overall and in control of all.]

2 Set your minds [After setting our focus on Christ, we set our minds on the godly things, not on things of temporal value] on things above, not on earthly things. [This is a choice, an act of the will; then, it explains what we are to seek. If the choice were not possible, he would not have stated it. The emphasis is on “how,” and the focus is on changing the way we think, which leads to a change of actions. However, our personhood is still in the process of being transformed into His image.]

3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. [Our identity is now wrapped in that for which we were created, for His Holy Spirit now lives in us. The reason: we are no longer what we were, but now have eternal life with Christ and will be with Him in glory]

4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. [Future focus, not just temporal]

Set your minds...

Remember Romans 12:1-2: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, [all we are] holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. [Worship demands all we are; Jesus is Lord of all or not at all.]

 2 Do not conform [Act of the will, a choice, otherwise it would not stated.] to the pattern of this world, but be transformed [How are we transformed:] by the renewing of your mind. [By an act of the will we choose and ask the Holy Spirit to refocus our thoughts, and the way we think.] Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is [Not only will we be more able to discern God’s will, but we will have more of a willingness to do it.]—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

 Our true and proper worship that pleases God is offering Him our life, based on God’s mercy and grace. When this occurs, we are transformed as we renew our minds and thoughts in Christ as we worship.                     

II. Therefore, put to death [Colossians 3:5-11]

5 Put to death, [Act of the will] therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed,[Internal thoughts & thinking designed to fulfill carnal desires]  which is idolatry. [How is it idolatry? If we fix our lives on pleasing ourselves, we are worshiping ourselves, our focus is on ourselves.] 

6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.    [God will judge our thoughts and actions.]

7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. [A reminder of how we once were.]

8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. [Not optional if were are to follow Him. By an act of the will through the power of the Holy Spirit, we rid ourselves: anger {internal feeling}, rage {outward expression}, malice {action produced by the former}, slander {truth with even intent}, filthy language {language that does not reflect Christ’s nature and character}.

9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices [source of lies is Satan]

10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. [ Change is a process, as we grow in the knowledge of Christ and apply it to our lives.]

Although we are “new creatures” in Christ, the old nature and former sinful desires still exist and are constantly at war with our new nature. Part of “being made new” is the ongoing choice to follow Christ and not choose to follow the old ways from before we knew Christ. The process continues throughout our lives and culminates in heaven with Christ. Paul’s focus here is what to “put off”; what follows is what needs to be “put on.

11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. [Old biases and natures are not now how we identify who we are, but our relationship in Christ.]

III. Therefore, put on [Colossians 3:12-17]

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [“Clothe yourselves” is an act of the will and must accompany “putting off.” Simply trying to stop something will not work, we must put something in its place. Where the previous list was of self-centered things, how is this list different? The focus is not on pleasing self, but on the needs of others and is similar to the fruit of the Holy Spirit and can only be done in His power.]

13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [Paul knew there would be conflict, etc., but that the unity of the body was key to growth. This is possible as we submit ourselves to the Holy Spirit. Forgiveness is giving God the desired vengeance we want on those who offend us. Christ forgave us by taking our sins on the cross; in forgiveness, we realize that no one could ever do us a greater sin than we had committed against the sinless Son of God, and then hand those offenses over to Him. To forgive as the Lord forgave us: [1] not based on whether or not we deserved it, [2] based on His love, not whether or not we “feel forgiving.” It is an act of the will as well.  In forgiveness we release to God the vengeance we desire against those that hurt us, knowing that “vengeance is God’s,” not ours. 

Forgiveness does not mean, “forgive and forget,” and that there are no consequences or acceptance of sinful behavior. Forgiveness is not a feeling we have, but an act of handing over the offender’s deserved punishment to God for Him to handle. It is an act of will; feelings will catch up with us. We are not to live by feelings, but by faith. How can we do that? Let’s look at Paul’s words: Forgive as the Lord forgave you. God forgave us completely, even though we didn’t deserve it. He restored fellowship. He chose to do this, he was not driven by feelings; this is how we are to forgive. Notice that Paul anticipated that there would be conflicts between brothers that would require “bearing with one another” and “forgiving one another.”

14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. [Clothe yourselves with love” Unity in the body is impossible without love, which will result in “peace” and thankfulness. Love is not a feeling but a commitment. It is a choice, an act of the will. We act in obedience, “in the love of Christ” and more often than not our feelings will catch up with us. It is no coincidence that the command to “clothe yourselves with love” follows “bearing with one another and forgiving one another.” Love is not a feeling, but a commitment to allow Christ to respond through us according to His nature and character.]

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. [It is no coincidence that the command to “clothe yourselves with love” follows “bearing with one another and forgiving one another.” Choosing to do so is an act of love. This will result in “the peace of Christ.”

“And be thankful” Thanksgiving is a thread that ties all of these things together. Expressing our gratitude can help us respond as we are called to respond and bear with one another as we are supposed to. Our gratitude to God for His forgiveness of us can help us forgive others. Surely no one has ever done anything as great to us as we have done against God: it was for our sin that Christ suffered and died. Like love, thanksgiving is a choice, one that can literally help reframe our thinking. Worship cannot exist without gratitude.

16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” Paul is not changing the subject here, but he is outlining a way in which we can fulfill what he has commanded and the practicalities of living and working with other believers. God’s Word is to become an integral part of all that we are, not just casual readings to encourage us. Visitors only stay for a time, however, if we invite them to come live with us, sleep in our home, and eat with our family for an extended period, then they are “dwelling” with us; they are becoming part of the family. Paul is commanding us to make the Word an intimate part of our lives. As we fill our minds with God’s Word, the Holy Spirit will use it to renew our thoughts and minds.

IV. Now What?

How do we do this? “in all wisdom” Not a random combination of things, but teaching and admonishing one another. Wisdom requires that we know the Word, teach it to others, and do so in a way that encourages them along the way. Not in a way that impresses them with how much we know, but in a way that allows them to find joy in growing more like Jesus and following his commands.

How can we do that? Paul gives an unexpected answer: through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Don’t get lost trying to make subtle distinctions between these three. Psalms seem obvious, and we think we understand what “hymns” are, but we need the biblical context to clarify. The word for “hymns” here is the same one used in Matthew 26:30 when after the Last Supper, they sang a “hymn” and went to the Mount of Olives. Since this was a Passover meal, they would have followed what was traditionally done, part of which was singing the Psalms. Many scholars believe they would have been singing Psalm 118, which begins, “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his loving-kindness is everlasting!” If you follow the Psalm to verse 24, you will find Jesus singing, “This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”  Contemplate those words as you think about Jesus facing torture and the cross. All of this is to say that “hymn” in this context is not a song from a book, but was simply another way of referring to a “psalm.” “Spiritual songs” were songs that poured forth from the heart of the Holy Spirit in praise of God. The point of the three listed in Colossians 3:16 is meant to be inclusive: everything we sing, regardless of the type, is to be instrumental in putting God’s Word into our hearts, minds, and lives.                                                

17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Notice the direction the songs are directed toward singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Everything we sing is meant to serve the purpose of building God’s Word into our lives and is done to praise and honor God in a spirit of gratitude. Paul underscores this in verse 17: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Thankfulness can help build unity if we focus on God’s goodness and greatness, rather than our selfish desires. We can express our thanks by singing God’s Word, the Gospel message through the songs we sing. And just in case we’ve forgotten something, Paul concludes with “and whatever you do…” do it as if Christ himself were doing it and give thanks. Paul and Silas had already set the example when they were chained in the Philippian prison: they sang and praised God, and so powerful was their singing that after the earthquake, the other prisoners did not leave and the prison guard gave his life to Christ. This is the power of singing God’s Word in praise and thanksgiving.

 

So what? This is good information, but what do I do now?

1. The focus of our growth in Christ is choosing to reorient the way we think to conform to the nature and character of Christ.

2. Choosing God’s way is an act of the will that not only rejects a previous lifestyle that was contrary to the nature of Christ but replaces it with responses that reflect His compassion, bearing with one another and forgiving one another.

3. As we change our responses from selfish to loving responses, the body of Christ finds unity and peace.

4. Our worship should focus on our gratitude for who Christ is and what He has done, not on our desires.

5. The songs we sing should deepen our knowledge of God’s Word, singing with a thankful heart.

6. Examine how you relate to others; does it exemplify what Paul lists in verse 12: “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and humility of mind?”

 

                         

 

Resources:

Cherry, Constance. The Worship Architect, Grand Rapids: Baker Publishing, 2010.

Kauflin, Bob. Worship Matters. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2008.

Putman, Rhyme. The Method of Christian Theology: A Basic Introduction.  Nashville: B & H Academic, 2021. 

Putman, Rhyme. When Doctrine Divides the People of God. Wheaton: Crossway, 2020.

Scazzero, Pete. The Emotionally Healthy Leader. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2015.

Scazzero, Pete. Emotionally Healthy Discipleship. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2021.

Sharp, Michael, and Argile Smith. Holy Gathering: A Leader’s Guide for Engaging the Congregation in Corporate Worship. Denver, CO: Outskirts Press, Inc., 2009.

Steele, Ed. Worship HeartCries: Personal Preparation for Corporate Worship. 2nd ed. North Charleston, SC: CreateSpace Independent Publishing, 2016.

When things are bad and God seems far away... Psalm 77

Some thoughts that helped me this morning during my time with the Lord and I pray might be for you as well:

1. I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. 2 I sought the Lord in my day of trouble. My hands were continually lifted up all night long; I refused to be comforted. 3 I think of God; I groan; I meditate; my spirit becomes weak. Selah

At times we find ourselves in deep anguish, circumstances change, those we love may be suffering beyond our capacity to understand, or even in our attempts to be obedient things just seem to get worse. The psalmist was going through one of those times, though we don’t know exactly why.  Sometimes we pray and... nothing. We pray and we just seem weaker. “Selah” could mean several things, from a musical interlude to pausing to reflect; regardless, let’s do just that: Pause and reflect on a situation in your life right now that might fit the psalmist’s words.  

4 You have kept me from closing my eyes; I am troubled and cannot speak. 5 I consider days of old, years long past. 6 At night I remember my music; I meditate in my heart, and my spirit ponders. 7 “Will the Lord reject forever and never again show favor? 8 Has his faithful love ceased forever? Is his promise at an end for all generations? 9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” Selah

It’s time to stop and pause again. Memories of days when God was so real; memories of his songs of praise seem to get lost a feeling that God has changed. Discouragement can twist our understanding of God’s nature and make us even question God’s motives. The Psalmist then gives us hope:

10 So I say, “I am grieved that the right hand of the Most High has changed.” 11 I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember your ancient wonders. 12 I will reflect on all you have done and meditate on your actions. 13 God, your way is holy. What god is great like God? 14 You are the God who works wonders; you revealed your strength among the peoples. 15 With power you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

First, he is honest about how he feels and what he is thinking, but he doesn’t just stop there. Then, though he is confused that God seems to be responding differently, by an act of will he chooses to focus on the work of God: “I will remember,” “I will reflect..” These are more than just future actions; they are conscious decisions that change the focus of his thinking.  He begins to focus on God’s nature from God's works: “God, your way is holy.”  We are encouraged to “Pause and reflect again.” When things seem to be completely chaotic, stop; go ahead and state what you are feeling, but then ask yourself, “What is the truth of God in this situation?” “What do I know is true about God, regardless?” He is in control. He is love and loves you and those you love; even those we do not love. God has a plan and we can trust Him to do what is right, even when we cannot see it right now.

16 The water saw you, God. The water saw you; it trembled. Even the depths shook. 17 The clouds poured down water. The storm clouds thundered; your arrows flashed back and forth. 18 The sound of your thunder was in the whirlwind; lightning lit up the world. The earth shook and quaked. 19 Your way went through the sea and your path through the vast water, but your footprints were unseen. 20 You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

The Psalmist finishes the psalm focusing on God’s great acts in the past, showing His complete control over all. Notice that God led the Israelites “through the sea” not around it. Even when God’s “footprints were unseen,” it doesn’t mean that God was not there: We can be assured that God is with us, always. Let’s “pause and reflect" on Who God is and What He has done and is doing; then thank and praise Him!