Last week's message (download/podcast feed/iTunes) was really fun for me! For those of you who asked, the opening video ("Sports Sunday: The Big Show") can be found here and the closing video ("The Gift of Worship") here.  Also, the song behind the closing video is "Sweetly Broken" by Jeremy Riddle. The passage we looked at (Hebrews 13:7-14) is steeped in Jewish history (see Leviticus 16), the person of Christ, and our response out of that history and to that person. As I studied and prayed, I summarized the truth that challenged me in this phrase:

You won't worship God for who he is, until you've seen Jesus and what He's done.

This, for me, sums up the passage we worked on...and it rings so true. Until we see just how much God loves us in Jesus, we'll hold back in our worship. Until we understand just how great our God is, we'll hold back in our worship. Not because we're being obstinate, but rather because we just don't see what all the fuss is about. But when we really appreciate that...

• in Jesus we've been singled out, called, and loved by God in grace, then we find motivation to say thanks through worship. We are strengthened by his grace, and nothing else (v9).
• in Jesus we've not only been loved, but been made holy (v10-13; Hebrews 10:10-14); not simply by forgiving our sins through Jesus' sacrifice, but also by setting us apart to serve him as his chosen instruments in the world! So, if you're his child, say it with me: "I am holy!" Not because you're perfect, but because God, in his power and grace, has called you so!
• in Jesus we've not only been loved and made holy... we've been given hope beyond all the struggles of this life as well (v14).

It is when we really appreciate all of this that we'll be motivated for worship! He's taken someone (me/you) and called us worthwhile. He's taken someone (me/you) and set us apart for his service and as instruments of worship. He's taken someone (me/you) and given us hope beyond all the tragedies and struggles of life. I can find no greater reasons to worship with thanksgiving than these! With these truths in mind I have a couple of questions for you (feel free to answer any or all online or off):

1. What most motivates you for worship? Is it in the list above, or something else?
2. If you really saw yourself as holy, as his chosen instrument of worship and action, how would that change your life on a day to day basis?
3. What most confuses you about worship?

The first two questions are in response to this message while the second one anticipates the topic I'll be dealing with in this weekend's message: "What is worship?" To leave your answers to my questions, or to ask me a question of your own, just follow this link!