Subversive worship
Dear Friends,
Have you realised that coming to church on Sunday is a subversive act? How can that be? It hardly feels subversive. Odd, perhaps, but subversive? It’s not as if our names are being taken by the authorities, or gatherings of more than two or three are prohibited, or church leaders are routinely disappearing. Going to church may be subversive in other places, but surely not here?
The thing is, we human beings are wired for worship. We can’t worship nothing. If we’re not worshipping the one true and living God, we will be worshipping other gods, which by definition will be false and dead (however wonderful they appear to be when we’re worshipping them). We just can’t help it.
So, “Christian worship is always a subversive act, akin to singing the French national anthem in occupied France during World War Two. In our corporate worship we call one another both to the worship of the true God and from the worship of other gods. We call one another from the subtle influence of the empty and destructive idolatries of this world. Instead, we give our undivided allegiance to the one, undivided God.” (Tim Chester, Explore Bible reading notes).
Here, for instance, is part of one Bible song that will help to subvert our own sinful hearts so that we worship truly: “Great and marvellous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the nations. Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name?” (Revelation 15:3-4a).
Yours warmly, in Christ,
Chris Hobbs (Senior Minister/Vicar)