 Reactions
What is the right way to react to an amazing gift? Or what about an amazing act of love or sacrifice? We sometimes see videos of people reacting wildly to some unexpected event. It could be a marriage proposal, the return of a loved one from a military deployment, or the meeting of a crucial need. The point I want to make is that these people do not need to be told how to react. They react instinctively. There is not necessarily a right way that they should react. They overflow with authentic emotion because of the genuine impact of the event. It would be strange if we chastised the mother who unceremoniously falls to the floor upon seeing her son return from a two year deployment. We also would not think it right to criticize the first time father brought to tears when he first learns of his wife being pregnant. These are examples of raw emotion, they are not wrong even if they may not be to the standards of cultural propriety. Precedents The scripture also gives us examples of these kinds of extraordinary responses. First consider King David in 2 Samuel 6:12-23, dancing with all his strength in celebration before Yahweh. David’s wife Michal confronts David for this shameful and contemptible even vulgar behavior but David defends himself because he was worshiping God authentically. David is not seeking to dishonor God but rather to express his joy and excitement because of the blessing of the Lord. Another example is that of the woman who tearfully washed Jesus’ feet (Luke 7:36-50). The Pharisee who had invited Jesus to dine in his home was scandalized that Jesus would allow Himself to be soiled by contact with such a sinner. However, Jesus contrasts the lack of even culturally appropriate hospitality that was shown by the Pharisee with the overwhelming display of love shown by this wretched sinner who has experienced real forgiveness. Instructions My point is that we must be careful not to define proper worship with such strict restrictions that genuine emotion is relegated as vulgar or common. The Lord desires for us to worship God with all our minds, souls, and hearts. I must admit that I have often recognized the danger of overly emotional and sentimental expressions that were not wedded to real truth. But it is also wrong for us to impose restrictions that the scriptures do not give. The Bible must be our standard for proper worship and obedient faithfulness. Faithfulness and not formality ought to govern by why and how we worship our God and King. Illustrations Imagine the heavenly hosts on that first advent evening constrained by some perfunctory formality. It’s unimaginable! They were precisely and perfectly praising God when they sang out, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Christmas is about worship! God is worshiped by Mary in her humble song in Luke 1. Again, God is praised after the birth of John the Baptist by his father Zechariah in Luke 1. Then, of course, the angels sing of God’s glory, peace, and sovereignty in Luke 2. Then, the shepherds respond to their evangelistic song by searching for and celebrating the infant Lord according to the divine message. Only days later when Jesus is presented in the temple, the righteous and devoted Simeon blessed God with his praised filled prophecy. Immediately after this, the elderly prophetess Anna gave thanks to God and spread the news that redemption has come. We also know from Matthew’s gospel that the wise men came later to find the newborn King and worship Him! So as we reflect on the fun and festivities of Christmas and enjoy food and family and take every opportunity to tell the good news of the gospel to needy sinners, let us also worship Him, just as the angels and everyone else did!
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