Therefore by Him (JESUS) let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.
Hebrews 13:15, The New King James Version
I have always been intrigued by the phrase, "a sacrifice of praise." The writer of Hebrews defines it here as "the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name." Of course, this has profound implications for those of us who lead worship, as that is what we are called to do on a regular basis.
I have often thought that there are periods in our lives when leading, singing or playing worship songs are more of a sacrifice than at other times. It is EASY to sing with a joyful heart and expressive demeanor when we get good news, when all is well. But it's much more challenging in the face of true difficulty, pain, or sorrow. I think it then becomes a real act of faith and obedience - and a very real "sacrifice of praise." One of the joys of leading worship in the same church over a period of years is that you have the unique experience of seeing people worship THROUGH some of the most difficult challenges anyone can face - serious illness, family crises, job loss and financial reversal, the death of a spouse, even the loss of children - I have seen all of these over the years in the people I've had the privilege to lead. And - it is an amazing testimony to see those individuals walking through it, seeking to maintain a spirit of worship. We send a powerful and eloquent message of praise when we can give thanks "in all circumnstances," as the Scripture teaches. THAT is a true SACRIFICE of praise.
Another thought that crosses my mind is that in our busy culture, fewer and fewer people are willing to make the personal sacrifice that leading worship with excellence requires. Fewer and fewer people are willing to commit to a weekly rehearsal slot - or to be consistent in attendance to worship services - because they simply aren't willing to sacrifice that much of their time to meet that commitment. Evangelical churches all over America are phasing out choirs and orchestras. A main reason for that is that musical styles in evangelical worship have become so contemporary. BUT - I'm convinced another reason is that it is simply too much work. As fewer and fewer people are willing to make the weekly commitment that choir and orchestra ministries require - especially among the younger generations - church leaders are throwing up their up their hands and asking, "Why bother if so few are willing to pay the price?" I am afraid that someday we may look back and wonder what happened to all the great music ministries we once had and may realize that we did ourselves in because we were no longer willing to make a "sacrifice of praise." . . . I pray not!
On Sunday, Pastor Brent will be preaching about the purpose of pain and suffering in our lives . . . why does God allow us to go through these painful, difficult things? As worship leaders, we will be called upon to lead through times and circumstances we do not understand. Choir and orchestra members, you will be called upon to make a sacrifice of praise to sing or play through your personal pain, or to make a decision to make it to rehearsal or worship when you just don't feel like it . . . count it all joy! I believe God will reward our faithfulness to do so. When you read the Psalms of David, it is so clear to see his struggle as he works through his pain and his questions, resulting in a richer and deeper sacrifice of praise. May it be so in our hearts and lives as well!
FURTHER STUDY:
Worship Leader Magazine has an entire issue this month entitled, THE DESERT PLACE - Praising When There Is Pain, featuring an extended article with Steven Curtis Chapman that discusses how his own music ministry changed following the tragic death of his little girl - whose own brother ran over her in their driveway. Whoa.
You have to subscribe to get the articles, but in a few weeks the latest issue becomes available online. Check out this great resouce at www.worshipleader.com