On a recent Sunday we were worshiping with Lord, I Need You. We were moving through the bridge and into a strong chorus as I encouraged them to place their needs before Jesus. Then I heard a shout. "Jesus! I need you!"
This exclamation of need moved me. Tears welled in my eyes.
It was a powerful moment as others around him began clapping. Not in time with the music. Clapping. Applause. For the Savior. The King of kings. The Provider. The Comforter. What a moment!
Many places in the Old Testament shouting is mentioned in reference to worship. There are many passages which actually encourage or seem to command it (Isaiah 44:23, Psalm 47:1 and many others). We shouldn't shout as the end or as the goal, but as an outcome, an expression, of what the Holy Spirit is doing in the heart.
It is true that there is no command or example in the New Testament for shouting in worship? Yes. It is true. There is none. Yet, this is not to say it didn't happen. In fact, knowing that most of those writing the New Testament were part of the Jewish culture which knew well the culture of Old Testament worship makes it seem as though shouting would have been a possibility. Especially considering that there is no command or discouragement against it in the New Testament.
All that said, it is amazing as a worshiper, whether on stage or off stage, to hear the heart expression of someone else in worship. Most often this is the singing itself. Every once in a great while a shout of brokenness or great praise has the ability to open up my own heart even more in my worship.
Whoever that person was who shouted... thank you. It drew me closer to God. What a shout it was. "Jesus!"
worship Him 24/7...
scott