The Preceding Announcement…

The announcement will precede the coming important event.  This is how movies, products, businesses, and marketing executives plan things.  Precede the critical day or product with announcements of praise, information, and declaration.

In Nehemiah 12:27-47 a massive celebration and dedication service takes place to acknowledge the completion of the walls of Jerusalem.  It was the greatest day Jerusalem and God’s people had seen in over 100 years.  That is a long time to wait for a celebration. 

Nehemiah and Ezra break up the Levites into two massive choirs, and they all gather on the walls.  Singing, playing, and celebration breaks forth.  In Nehemiah 12:36b (this refers to the end of the verse) an understated observation is made when it says, “Ezra the scribe went before them.”  The “them” referred to is the choir over which Ezra directed.  Ezra was an expert and teacher in God’s Law.  In this case he was also a choir director, yet I cannot help but note the importance of the fact that the man who knew and taught God’s Law was vitally part of the music and celebration of God’s people.

No matter the worship time, celebration time, or corporate time of praise, the Word must be central in its impact and positioning with God’s people.  In a TRUE worship service, the Word of God must have a front and center place.  Emotions, preference, age, style, and structure are NEVER the primary elements in determining corporate worship expressions.  God’s Word Is.

Lord, May your Word ever and always be a critical central element of my life and the life of the church.