I was really blessed by this chapter we just read from A More Profound Alleluia by Leanne Van Dyk. This chapter was all about the revelation of God in worship and Christology. In this, Van Dyk explains the intricacies of the term “word [Word] of God,” and all that implies for Christian living and worship.
First, she explains the reality that worship is meaningless without revelation. We would just be singing songs, saying words, hearing sermons, but unless the Holy Spirit brings revelation, we won’t see God. So, revelation is not found in just one place, and it is not necessarily a cause and effect situation. Van Dyk explains that sometimes revelation comes from one line in Scripture, or a phrase in a chorus, or a conversation with a church member. But either way, the experience of revelation in worship is a gift of grace.
Much like we have read before in class, Van Dyk says that this grace is carried out by the fullness of God in Three Persons. That the Holy Spirit brings revelation of Jesus Christ to us, who brings us closer to the presence of the Father. Jesus is the one who leads. That was the refreshing wisdom that she presented that revived my soul. The conclusion she came to is that, “Jesus Christ is present in our worship because Jesus Christ is the leader of our worship…It is foolish for us to imagine that we can casually stroll into the presence of God…We don’t deserve to worship God. But God graciously invites us to worship and then provides us with the means to receive with and revelation from God – the very presence of Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.” This reality puts the pressure off of us as worship leaders and invites us to truly take up Jesus’ yoke, which is easy and light, and lead with him. She concludes her ideas about the Trinity in worship by saying, “This is Trinitarian mystery, hospitality, and gift.”
This leads her to explain the different ways the “word of God,” is present in worship as well. She first and foremost explains that the word of God in worship is primarily Jesus Christ, the Word. The Word made flesh to dwell with us, the Word made to be our High Priest, the Word made accessible to us. Jesus is the one who draws us near. Then, the word of God being Scripture. Scripture is the inspired revelation of God. In it we hear God’s voice, see God’s character, and understand his history and plan for redemption. He also tells us to hide his word in our hearts, it is supposed to be in us, that is what happens in worship. Third, the word of God as preaching. This is the proclamation of Scripture which elevates and highlights God’s character to us. The preaching is the thing that delivers the Truth to us. Then, the word of God as sacraments, which was the most foreign to me. In this, Van Dyk explains the sacraments as practices that are meant for our nourishment and growth, much like the purposes of the other aspects of God’s word. These sacraments are the practicals we take in order to be fed, not just receive the food. Lastly, the word of God as silence. This is the practice of mediation, which is savoring God’s word. This is where intimacy is formed, this is where the word of God becomes hidden in our hearts. This is the word of God we take with us outside of the worship service and keep as our treasure, and steward as our gift.
Van Dyk’s writing showed me that there has to be an emphasis on revelation and God’s word in worship. Revelation does not have to be this super mystical, divine, majestic vision that we see often in Scripture, but just moments where we see God in his Body when we gather. This is what we should pray for as we prepare for our services. For God’s word to be revealed and for us to lean on Jesus as the leader of the service.
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