“ENTERING IN”
I want to unpack that term “entering in” with you in order to consider exactly what it means. The way it is most often used in congregations is something like let’s all “enter into God’s Presence”, or perhaps, “it’s time to enter into worship”. There are several ways of expressing the concept --- I’m sure you know the varied phrase(s). I’m not too interest in the specific language that you might use however. What I’m really wanting to get at is the meaning behind the term itself.
As a worship pastor for the last 13 years, and a worship leader for some 15 years prior to that, I’ve come to believe that many (most) worshipers don’t really have a clear understanding of what it means when we say we’re “entering in” as we’re gathered to enthrone God upon our praises (Ps.22:3).
There’s a lot I’d like to say but I am purposed to be as concise as possible with my comments. To do so I’m going to borrow an example from a message I recently heard given by Bishop Joseph Garlington. It’s one of the best explanations I’ve ever heard dealing with this topic. And, since I am in relationship with Bishop I know he won’t mind if I use it --- especially having given him credit for his insights.
Here’s a paraphrased version of what he said:
When we turn on our T.V.’s or radios (lap tops & iphones) to listen to a program that we are interested in the people involved (cast & crew) aren’t sitting in a studio somewhere waiting for us to tune in before they begin. Of course not. They begin their program with or without us. At the moment we link up with what’s already “in progress” we are “entering in” to what was taking place before we ever turned the power on. Our involvement -- at whatever level we choose -- begins when we engage in what’s already happening. In other words, the program (or church service) can, will, and does take place with or without us. But, in order for us to share in the experience we have to engage with those who are already actively taking part in the presentation.
I think Bishops commments are spot on. The process is the same in matters of corporate praise and worship. Saints and angels on earth and in heaven above are pro-active in praise & worship all the time (24/7/365). It’s non-stop, with no breaks and no pauses. Praise and worship is ongoing, constant and eternal. So, when we’re “entering in” to the adoration and exaltation of the Lord, our God, the offerings aren’t beginning with us. We’re not starting anything --- we’re joining a program already in progress. Selah…
I suppose some Scriptural support would be in order here to ground what I’m saying. So, consider this please:
“For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them... you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.” (Heb.12:18, 19, 22-24 / NASB)
Note please in verse 22 where it says that we “have come to Mount Zion”. The word come in its base language is in the active tense meaning that it has already taken place. The passage is leading us to understand that we have (in terms of eternity) already “entered in” to the scene the text goes on to describe in grand and glorious details. Saints, we’re in already! Therefore all that’s required of us is to act like we know that and respond accordingly.
“BOW DOWN”
Bow down before the Lord
Worship Him, Oh worship Him
Bow down before our God
Enter in, Oh enter in
Consuming fire, sweet perfume
His awesome presence fills this room
This is holy ground, so come and bow down
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord of hosts
Saints and angels give Him glory
In the Holy Ghost
(David Baroni & Tony Sutherland / Integrity’s Hosanna Music, ’94)
Copyright Secured: See & Say (Songs & Such), BMI
I want to unpack that term “entering in” with you in order to consider exactly what it means. The way it is most often used in congregations is something like let’s all “enter into God’s Presence”, or perhaps, “it’s time to enter into worship”. There are several ways of expressing the concept --- I’m sure you know the varied phrase(s). I’m not too interest in the specific language that you might use however. What I’m really wanting to get at is the meaning behind the term itself.
As a worship pastor for the last 13 years, and a worship leader for some 15 years prior to that, I’ve come to believe that many (most) worshipers don’t really have a clear understanding of what it means when we say we’re “entering in” as we’re gathered to enthrone God upon our praises (Ps.22:3).
There’s a lot I’d like to say but I am purposed to be as concise as possible with my comments. To do so I’m going to borrow an example from a message I recently heard given by Bishop Joseph Garlington. It’s one of the best explanations I’ve ever heard dealing with this topic. And, since I am in relationship with Bishop I know he won’t mind if I use it --- especially having given him credit for his insights.
Here’s a paraphrased version of what he said:
When we turn on our T.V.’s or radios (lap tops & iphones) to listen to a program that we are interested in the people involved (cast & crew) aren’t sitting in a studio somewhere waiting for us to tune in before they begin. Of course not. They begin their program with or without us. At the moment we link up with what’s already “in progress” we are “entering in” to what was taking place before we ever turned the power on. Our involvement -- at whatever level we choose -- begins when we engage in what’s already happening. In other words, the program (or church service) can, will, and does take place with or without us. But, in order for us to share in the experience we have to engage with those who are already actively taking part in the presentation.
I think Bishops commments are spot on. The process is the same in matters of corporate praise and worship. Saints and angels on earth and in heaven above are pro-active in praise & worship all the time (24/7/365). It’s non-stop, with no breaks and no pauses. Praise and worship is ongoing, constant and eternal. So, when we’re “entering in” to the adoration and exaltation of the Lord, our God, the offerings aren’t beginning with us. We’re not starting anything --- we’re joining a program already in progress. Selah…
I suppose some Scriptural support would be in order here to ground what I’m saying. So, consider this please:
“For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire, and to darkness and gloom and whirlwind, and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them... you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.” (Heb.12:18, 19, 22-24 / NASB)
Note please in verse 22 where it says that we “have come to Mount Zion”. The word come in its base language is in the active tense meaning that it has already taken place. The passage is leading us to understand that we have (in terms of eternity) already “entered in” to the scene the text goes on to describe in grand and glorious details. Saints, we’re in already! Therefore all that’s required of us is to act like we know that and respond accordingly.
“BOW DOWN”
Bow down before the Lord
Worship Him, Oh worship Him
Bow down before our God
Enter in, Oh enter in
Consuming fire, sweet perfume
His awesome presence fills this room
This is holy ground, so come and bow down
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord of hosts
Saints and angels give Him glory
In the Holy Ghost
(David Baroni & Tony Sutherland / Integrity’s Hosanna Music, ’94)
Copyright Secured: See & Say (Songs & Such), BMI
