The Value of My Ship
In my last journal entry an understanding of the term "relationship with God", was brought forward, by defining the suffix -ship: "1: state : condition : quality" and examining the root word "relation" meaning the aspect or quality that connects two or more things or parts as being or belonging or working together or as being of the same kind. In short I can judge my relationship with God based on the quality and condition of my connection with God.
In the retail world there is an increased value placed on quality. Generally speaking we tend to pay more for a product of quality, and place a great deal of worth on a brand name that we feel provides a superior product. In case you did not know where I was going with this, let us consider the word "worship". A compound word of sorts, of which I was recently reminded by my Pastor Keith Palmer, in an awesome Music Ministry class, worship comes from two words (worth ship) "worth ship". Therefore, worship measures or is a reflection of the value that we place on God. You can also say that it is the state or condition of the worth that we place on God. Just like with merchandise, if we have a quality connection with God, or if we have become brand loyal to His name (YHWH God/Jesus the Christ), then we are going to place a great deal of value on Him, and we will not have a problem expressing it.
Although music plays a very important roll, worship extends beyond music, to servitude. In truth, the first reference of the word worship in the Bible (Gen. 22:5), does not mention music at all. Howbeit, God makes it very apparent, that music plays an essential part in worship through the life of David. I don't know about you, but I am so glad that God made such a BIG deal about incorporating music into the worship experience. We'll look at the musical aspect later, for now let's focus on the value aspect of worship.
The New Testament introduces the birth of Jesus, and scriptures in Matthew, and Luke, provide the backdrop for classic Christmas stories, but in the midst of it all we tend to overlook the goal of The Wise men that came from the East. Mat. 2:2 "Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." The word worship, in this passage of scripture is the Greek word proskuneo, let's look at the definition.
Worship - proskuneo {pros-koo-neh'-o} 4352 - from 4314 and a probable derivative of 2965 (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand).
1) to kiss the hand to (towards) one, in token of reverence
2) among the Orientals, esp. the Persians, to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence
3) in the NT by kneeling or prostration to do homage (to one) or make obeisance, whether in order to express respect or to make supplication
The wise men were on a mission to express the worth and value that they had for the one born King of the Jews, namely Jesus. The worth that they placed on Him caused them to come presenting gifts. And yes, we are admonished to present gifts as well. "...present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service" (Rom. 12:1). Interesting enough, the word service in this passage is the Greek word latreia, which means the service and worship of God.
As mentioned in the previous blog, the word ship is defined as a sea going vessel, and a vessel is a container for holding something. If we look at things from this angle then, we can see that worship, is how we carry our reverence and respect for God, and express it through our service to Him.
In the retail world "service" is all about pleasing the customer hence "Customer Service". As an artist, songwriter, producer etc., I remember asking where does music come in with all of this? The Father, in all of His faithfulness, through many conversations with Him, and my Pastor's teaching, He caused me to consider this: What should be the goal of every believer...to please God! We understand by Rev. 4:11, that all things were created for God's pleasure, and that does not exclude music. Now I'm not gonna go to deep on this right now because I have to save some things for the workshop/seminar...(still seeking Him for instruction, subscribe to our newsletter for updated information as we receive it from Him). It is clear through the life of David, and his writings that God understands a great deal about music and it's ability to effect our feelings, and emotions. When used correctly it's ability to provide aid and assist us in viewing God in the reverent manner that we should, in order to render service that is pleasing to Him. While at the same time His creation of music also gives Him pleasure.
I can go on......but I'll stop, for now!
Today I am challenged to examine the condition of the worth that I place on YHWH God, examine the quality of my service rendered, beyond that song. And make sure the song of my heart helps me see God, in a way that causes me to humble my heart to serve and truly worship Him.
Psa 66:4 All the earth shall worship You, and shall sing unto You; they shall sing [to] Your name. Selah.
Ed Grice
Ephesians Six Ten Productions
