Tweet Tweet!

So, I follow N.T. Wright on Twitter. I know, I know ...  really nerdy move. 

Anyhow!

He 'tweeted' a quote from one of his books the other day that I have been thinking about all week. I found it pretty insightful. He says the following: 

"In worship, the church anticipates how things are going to be in that new day" 

Interesting. I think this is a pretty accurate and succinct summary of our Christian act of worship. I like this definition for two reasons: 

1. I believe it is properly eschatological. By that I mean it recognizes that worship is in a certain real sense an act of present hope for the future end of the age. Worship is an act in the present; confessing now in word, song and action the kingship/lordship of Christ. Yet, this lordship is presently hidden from the world at large - it is a secret, a mystery. The church is the community that sees the resurrected Jesus and proclaims His Lordship in word, song and action i.e., in worship. So in this sense, I think N.T. has, with great insight, recognized this future sense of the church's worship. It does now what will be done in that day; it recognizes here and now, what will be recognized then and there. 

2. I believe it also does away with the common misconception that worship is something we do ONLY on Sunday mornings. True, worship with the community is valuable beyond question. However, our whole lives are called as offerings unto the Lord (Rom. 12:1). Everything we do during the week - at work, at school, at home - is done in anticipation of that day. Worship is work done for the Kingdom in every aspect of life because it is done for the Lord that is coming; the resurrected Lord. 

I'd be interested to hear your take! Good? Bad? Reservations?

//ExProfundis//