Friday, July 28, 2017

Friday - 2nd Chronicles 15 - Justified Hype

I realize that I am misusing the word hype. Hype is generally viewed as something that is at least partially artificial. I don't want to promote artificial worship. What I am attempting here is a little hyperbole for the sake of emphasizing the wholesomeness of intense and intentional worship. God is worthy of it!

In 2nd Chronicles 15:14 it is recorded that the people of Judah "swore unto the LORD with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets."  No doubt there was a measure of spontaneity in their worship, but the tenor of verses 12, 13 & 15 leaves the impression that there was also some form and discipline in this celebration. In other words, there was a time to dance (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). Besides, scheduling a moment to shout is not as strange as one might imagine.

In modern sports, we know that chants and cheers are memorized, rehearsed and repeated, and yet using them is a very effective way of allowing fans to express their sincere excitement about their beloved team.  Even so, in our praising and rejoicing, doing it on purpose with much effort and gusto is commendable, if not expected... especially if you are blessed with leadership who is so opposed to unrighteousness that they are even willing to stand up boldly against it in their own family... as Asa clearly was (2nd Chronicles 15:16).

Let us all "Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near..." (Isaiah 55:6). And, when we find Him, let us meet together and rejoice loudly, and on purpose.  There is nothing more worthy of our ecstatic jubilation (Jeremiah 9:23 & 24).  Is there even a possibility of being guilty of "too much" hype over knowing God?  Sounds like an oxymoron to me.

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