An Act of Worship

“and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him; then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts” (Matthew 2:11)

I remember six years ago. The Angels were playing in the World Series. And Paul McNeff had scheduled a special guest for our Moment for Ministry in the worship service: Steve Physioc, the “Voice of the Angels.” The Sunday Steve was with us just happened to be the day of Game 7. The excitement was palpable.

Following the service, I was surprised to see one of our members. She had been in the hospital and I didn’t think she would be back in church so soon. I mentioned how glad I was to see her, and then I remembered that she was a big Angels’ fan. Jokingly I said, “Hey, wait a minute, you’re here to see Steve Physioc!”
“Oh, no, I’m here because it’s the right thing to do. I ought to be at church.” She then craned her neck to look around me and asked, “Where is he anyway?” We both shared a good-natured laugh.

It’s always fun to see people we esteem, whether they be great athletes, famous actors, favorite politicians, deep thinkers, popular musicians, or foreign dignitaries. We get butterflies as we anticipate them entering the room. We are filled with delight when we catch our first glimpse. We position ourselves to be close to them. We might even ask for an autograph.

When important people visit a community, the group often presents the visitor with a gift. This is a way to share ourselves with them. It is a way we show appreciation and respect. It is also a way to build relationship. A gift is a way to show we care.

Imagine if someone told you that Jesus was coming to church on Sunday. Imagine if you knew that He would be physically in the building. Would you be excited? Would you dress your best? Would you come early? Would you wait in anticipation? Would you crane your neck to see Him? Would you bring a gift?

Hopefully, each of us understands that Christ is present with us in worship every Sunday. But sometimes it’s good to consider what it would be like if we could actually see Him, actually hear Him, actually touch Him.

November 9th is Consecration Sunday. It is the day we dedicate our 2009 Faith Pledges to the Lord. This is not something we do haphazardly. For our community, this is an act of worship. Following the sermon, a praise song will be sung. During that song, members and friends of FPCSA will walk forward and place their faith pledges in our wooden box. It is an act of worship.

I love the story of the magi who travel from a distant land to see the new born King. After a long journey, they enter into the home of Joseph and Mary. When they see the Baby, notice what they do. They fall prostrate to the ground. They worship this little, fragile One. Then they open their treasures and present their gifts to the Lord. Wow. What an image! These noble and respected dignitaries kneeling before the Christ Child.

In the same way, the members and friends of FPCSA will physically come forward and present their gifts to the Lord. When you come to church on that Sunday morning, bring your faith pledge to church with you. At the appropriate time you will be invited to present that pledge to the Lord.

It is an act of worship. I encourage you to use your imagination. Imagine not the pastor nor the musicians nor the singers in the front of the sanctuary. Imagine Jesus standing before you. Imagine His arms outstretched. Imagine His smile of welcome. Imagine His look of love.

As you place your pledge in the box, remind yourself that you are not simply giving support to the church. Remind yourself that you are presenting a gift to the Lord. Perhaps in your own heart, whisper, this gift is for You, Jesus. The size of the gift does not matter in the least; the heart of the giver matters a great deal. God loves a cheerful giver.

Sometimes making a faith pledge can be a little scary because we’re not sure if we can afford to keep this pledge. Don’t worry. God knows our circumstances. That is why we call it a faith pledge. It is a pledge made in faith, trusting God to protect and keep us in the days ahead. And remember, that every good gift comes from the Lord, so that the presentation of our gifts is really a giving back to Him. It is an act of worship.

Steve Physioc will probably not be in church with us on November 9th. The politicians you supported in the recent election will probably be absent. Your favorite movie stars will not be with us. But know this: Jesus Christ will very much be present on that day. And you have the good fortune to come and be with Him. Come fall before Him in worship. Open your treasure to Him and present Him with your gifts. It is an act of worship.

In His Love & Service,

Lance