Practical Theology of Worship Series

Biblical Foundations of Worship: 7 Big Ideas

When worship is all about God, we are transformed.

Many mornings I post sunrise pics on Facebook

We become what we behold.

As we spend time in the presence of God, we are spiritually, emotionally and even physically changed.

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory,
are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory,
which comes from the Lord,
who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthinans 3:18 (Niv)

David’s Example

David was fascinated with God. He was intrigued. He sought after God. He built a personal history of “gazing upon the beauty of the Lord”.

The process of beholding positions us to receive from the Lord. Beholding the Lord builds our connection, our relationship with Him. David’s desire is what shaped his heart.

David had the kind of heart that moved God’s heart. God’s evaluation of David – “I can do something with this guy.”

Moses Example

Moses met with God in the tabernacle. When he left the presence of God his face radiated glory, so much that He had to wear a veil to keep from blinding people.

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai carrying the two Tablets of The Testimony, he didn’t know that the skin of his face glowed because he had been speaking with God. Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, saw his radiant face, and held back, afraid to get close to him. Exodus 34:29-30 The Message

When we focus worship on GOD, we encounter Him in dynamic ways. When we encounter Him, we can not help but reflect His glory.

Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him. 2 Corinthians 3:16 The Message

You can see the results in the eyes.

The eye is the lamp of the body.
If your eye is good,
your whole body will be full of light.
Mathew 6:22

When our worship is all about God, people will experience us as different people. Our spirit communicates, it bears witness to the world around us. The fruit of beholding God is a transformed soul.

Question: How do you “behold” God? I’d love to hear from you. Leave your thoughts in the comments.

Thanks for reading!