Discover His heart: Styles come and go, but He never changes
My laptop PC has served me well for several years. I understand most of the nuances and foibles of my Windows PC, and I’m comfortable with it, like a pair of well broken-in shoes. It was with reluctance that I accepted the necessity to buy a new laptop, but it was time. Voices were encouraging me to make a change, a change for the better they said, change to a…Mac. Help! They promise no viruses, user-friendly computing, amazing video editing and on and on. I like things the way they are, and who needs change? Maybe…no…well, I just don’t know…but it may be the way to go…but it’s just not me…I could learn to like it…to Mac or not to Mac. Hmmm…
@ Ezra 3
“When the builders completed the foundation of the Lord’s Temple, the priests put on their robes and took their places to blow their trumpets…With praise and thanks, they sang this song to the Lord: ‘He is so good! His faithful love for Israel endures forever!’ Then all the people gave a great shout, praising the Lord because the foundation of the Lord’s Temple had been laid. But many of the older priests, Levites, and other leaders who had seen the first Temple wept aloud when they saw the new Temple’s foundation. The others, however, were shouting for joy. The joyful shouting and weeping mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance.” (3:10,11-13) Change can be difficult.
I am almost positive I have heard the “joyful shouting and the weeping mingled together” in some of our church services throughout the land. Church just isn’t the same as it was years ago. Newer music, relaxed style of dress and quicker paced services are just a few of the changes that many churches have grown into over the past few years. Many seasoned believers feel disconnected from the church where they had experienced so many wonderful moments with the Lord – the new Temple is just not the same, not as magnificent as Solomon’s Temple.
History reveals quite a shake-up in the church world when the now somewhat disconnected believers were younger. Coming out of more liturgical services, they started to accept gospel songs, clapping, raising hands to God and even shouting at times. I’ve read that the elders from their former churches thought they had lost all respect and reverence for God; but of course, they had not. Their new-found freedom in the Lord was in keeping with the day in which they lived, and it was like a breath of fresh air to the church. But to some, the new Temple was just not the same, not as magnificent as Solomon’s Temple.
After 40 years in youth and young adult ministry, I can say that the current generation, with very few exceptions, does not really understand the style of the past. As a rule, it doesn’t touch them, it doesn’t reach them, and without some new wineskins for the new wine God is pouring out today, they may be lost for eternity.
When I worship in the church today, beyond the music and the style, I am most blessed by seeing people’s lives changed by the power of God, and that is really the bottom line for me. If I didn’t see this taking place in my church, I would find a place where it was happening. Methods and music style, whether new or old, without the touch of God, are simply entertainment. The temple may not look anything like the temple of my youth, but I’m not going to weep because too many young lives are finding the Savior. Hear my joyful shouting!
Moving Forward: I’m rejoicing today over lives being changed by the power of God. It may be a different approach, but it’s the same God and the same power.
Tomorrow @ Psalm 131-133
Phyllis Benigas 