Audacious Worship
What is audacious worship? Webster’s Dictionary defines it as:
- Intrepidly daring, adventurous, reckless bold, rash
- Marked by originality and verve
When we think of worshiping the Lord, can we say that our worship is audacious? If not, how does it need to change?
The Chapel
In preparation for worship dim the lights so there is a soft glow. If the lights don’t dim, bring a couple of lamps in and place them toward the back of the chapel. Light candles and place them in the front of the chapel. If you are meeting during the day, light candles anyway or use the natural light. Place images of Jesus throughout the chapel. Many can be found on the Internet. Have soft worship music playing in the background.
Activity
Invite the women to walk around the room and pick a picture of Jesus that speaks to their heart and bring it back to their seat. After a few minutes, invite the women to share the reason for their choices.
Refreshments
Serve resurrection biscuits. Check the Internet for the recipe and accompanying application to the empty tomb. The following are a couple of sites:
http://www.meemaweats.com/2017/04/easter-resurrection-empty-tomb-biscuits/
http://www.celebratingholidays.com/?page_id=3282
I Would See Jesus
Each one of us sees Jesus differently in our heart. Matthew 28 records Mary Magdalene and the other Mary as they went to visit Jesus’ tomb. I want you to imagine what it would be like to walk with them on that early Sunday morning. What were their thoughts and fears? Close your eyes and listen as I read the portion of scripture:
“Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb. (pause) Do you smell the crisp morning air? Do you feel the stillness of the earth as you travel down the dirt road in the dim light of morning? Hearts sinking into the pit of your stomach because you know your Messiah is gone. Then… “Suddenly there was a great earthquake. For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.” Your heart jumps. Being blinded by the light you reach for Mary’s hand, and it is trembling just like yours. Should you run? Your legs are frozen stiff… “Then the angel spoke to the women. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as He said would happen. Come, see where His body was lying. And now, go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead, and He is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see Him there. Remember what I have told you.’ The women ran quickly from the tomb. They were very frightened but also filled with great joy, and they rushed to give the disciples the angel’s message. And as they went, Jesus met them and greeted them.” (pause) Jesus calls out to you by your name. What do you do? Do you answer Him? Would you answer Him immediately or hesitate? He says, “Don’t be afraid.” Is there something that is causing you to hesitate?
“They (the two Mary’s) ran to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid! Go tell my brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see me there.’”
Open your eyes. This story isn’t only about Jesus conquering the grave; it’s about the audacious worship that both Marys emulated in this passage. There was nothing that would keep them from worshiping their Savior. No barriers, issue, or pride. Many times in our lives we forget how strong and mighty our Jesus really is. We focus on how big we think our problems are or can be. The problems we face can cause us to view worship with blinders on. When we think our problems are bigger than our Jesus, then we are limiting our faith and what Jesus’ power can do. Focusing on problems and issues from everyday situations can limit us from experiencing the joy and peace that is found in Jesus. To live out an audacious faith we must learn to fully trust Jesus and allow Him to love us boldly. When we serve Jesus, who is the creator of the universe, we should not stand in fear or limit ourselves to pray for small things.
Jesus came and died a horrible death for all of us, but that wasn’t the end. He conquered that death. If Jesus is capable not only of healing with a touch and speaking life into existence, but of conquering death, why do we think He cannot handle our daily frustrations? He is the only one who can see us through whatever we are facing.
Let’s start our audacious worship together now. On the back of your picture of Jesus list everything that might cause you not to worship and pray with your full capacity. Spend time in prayer with Jesus and allow Him to take hold of those things. Jesus wants to give you what you really need. Is there something you have been afraid to ask for? Go to Him about the desires of your heart with boldness. Don’t be afraid to spend this time of worship crying out to our Savior, no matter what that looks like.
