Reverence cannot be limited to silence in the sanctuary. Yes, Habakkuk 2:20 says, "LORD is in his holy Temple. Let all the earth be silent before him." But Psalm 68:24-26 also says, "Your procession has come into view, O God— the procession of my God and King as he goes into the sanctuary. Singers are in front, musicians behind; between them are young women playing tambourines. Praise God, all you people of Israel; praise the Lord, the source of Israel’s life." Apparently, God loves instruments of all kinds, percussion, and women worship leaders in the sanctuary!
1 Chronicles 25:6 adds, "They made music at the house of the LORD. Their responsibilities included the playing of cymbals [percussion], harps, and lyres [stringed instruments like guitars] at the house of God." So pleased was God with the instruments and music and singers and even the loud volume of praise (2 Chronicles 5:11 says they raised their voices and in unison praised the LORD with these words: He is good! His faithful love endures forever!) that, "At that moment a thick cloud filled the Temple of the LORD. The priests could not continue their service because of the cloud, for the glorious presence of the LORD filled the Temple of God" (2 Chronicles 5:12-14). Wow. God liked it so much they couldn't continue! I bet God LOVES the lyrics to Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave. Take a listen. And check out these other rarely quoted references to reverence in worship.
Seems like all I could see was the struggle
Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past
Bound up in shackles of all my failures
Wondering how long is this gonna last
Then You look at this prisoner and say to me "son
Stop fighting a fight it's already been won"
All my life I have been called unworthy
Named by the voice of my shame and regret
But when I hear You whisper, "Child lift up your head"
I remember, oh God, You're not done with me yet
I am redeemed, You set me free
So I'll shake off these heavy chains
Wipe away every stain, now I'm not who I used to be
I am redeemed, I'm redeemed
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1 comment:
The use of Hab. 2:20 as an argument for silence in the worship space is taking the verse totally out of context. The Holy Temple is where God is residing in heaven, and the statement for silence is a command to the oppressors to be quiet and listen up to what God has to say.
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