Have you ever considered laughter as part of worship? So often worship is defined by music, music style, or a sermon. As I was running early this morning, I listened to the April 6 sermon by Erwin McManus entitled "Refresh Your Soul." In his message, he spent a significant amount of time helping us to know that God made us to experience play and laughter. He mentioned the story in Luke 15:11-31 of the Father of two sons. When the younger son returned home after squandering his share of his father's inheritance, rather than condemn his son, the father threw a party: "Let's have a feast and celebrate" (v. 23b). And when Sarah gave birth to Isaac (Abraham was 100 and Sarah -- 90 see Genesis 17:17) Sarah shouted, "...God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me" (Gen. 21:6). BTW, Isaac means "laughter."
In McManus' message, he said something that really stuck with me. He asked if our worship is out of "obligation or celebration." So let us ponder this question today. My hope and prayer is that we will celebrate and allow God to refresh our souls openly and willingly, not out of some sense of religious obligation.
Erwin is pastor of Mosaic http://www.mosaic.org. You can find both audio and video podcasts by clicking http://www.mosaic.org/podcast/. I have made them available on my blog under "Podcasts." Just click "more" under podcasts and scroll to find his podcast.
Blessings to you this day, Pastor Bob
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