Today I was transported back to 2001 to a song called “Heart of Worship” by Matt Redman. It had just settled in the all girls high school my parents decided on. I had given my heart to God toward the end of 2000 and I was filled with zest for Christ. And worshipping my God was all I wanted to do.
Opposite my high school was the all boys high school and right in the middle of the two schools was a little church which was mostly used for socialising. The minister embraced the opportunity and allowed us to use the premises for singing worship songs in the mornings before school. Heart of worship takes me back to those days – days when I didn’t have many worries, apart from the odd math exam, and all I wanted to do was worship Jesus!
The reality that stripping myself bare in from of God – that vulnerability – that is faith. And that is what I long for. Intimacy with the Jesus.
In 2001 the internet was a luxury and we didn’t really have the resources available that we have now. That probably explains why I never knew the story behind the song. Have a listen to the above video, Matt is so humble! (And I will cross reference as proof) But the story behind the song is powerful.
If you’ve never heard the song, here’s a recent recording (Passion 2015)
My browsing lead me to the below clip of Kari Jobe. She refers to Revelations 2 and these words in which she encourages the church to return to the heart of worship.
2-3 “I see what you’ve done, your hard, hard work, your refusal to quit. I know you can’t stomach evil, that you weed out apostolic pretenders. I know your persistence, your courage in my cause, that you never wear out.
4-5 “But you walked away from your first love—why? What’s going on with you, anyway? Do you have any idea how far you’ve fallen? A Lucifer fall!
“Turn back! Recover your dear early love. No time to waste, for I’m well on my way to removing your light from the golden circle.
Be encouraged by these words. Let’s be alert and return to our first love.
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