Oh how I hate them. The phone rings so I go to answer the call. I don’t recognize the number but it has a local number so I push the red button and say Hello. Then there is the pause, and I realize I’ve done it again. Given in to another Robocall.
The Robocall is the latest attempt made by people to take something from us. The actual definition is “an automated telephone call which delivers a recorded message, typically on behalf of a political party or telemarketing company.” Either they want your support or your resources and at very least they want your time. I have learned how to block the call and I notice the ads for apps that will help block these calls but they continue to find new ways to reach us. It seems that this pattern will continue over and over again.
So what, you may ask, is a robocall to worship? Here is what I am thinking on this cold Thursday. I recently read an article in Christianity Today called “Worship God at All Times. If Necessary, Use Music”. by Daniel Block. In the article he gives us a biblical definition of worship. He says…
It turns out the Bible’s idea of worship is mostly about posture not music or praise.
Daniel I Block
The words used in the Bible for worship often refer to bowing low or to a position of kneeling. It is a sign of submission and humility. Even if we can’t physically do this it is really a position our hearts are in when we are worshiping. I would define worship as a giving in to anything we feel is worthy of our submission. God has both declared and revealed to us that only He is worthy of our this surrender. Jesus himself declared this as He faced Satan, the enemy of our souls.
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”
Matthew 4:10
You see, Satan wants to be worshiped too. It was the reason he was kicked out of heaven. (see Isaiah 14:12-14). Satan wanted to be worshiped by Jesus during His 40 days in the wilderness and he continues to want to be worshiped by you and me. The fact is that most of us know we should not worship Satan but he knows that anytime we worship something other than the One True God we are basically worshiping him.
So this is why I decided to call this post “The Robocall to Worship”. Each week, as part of my job, I fill out what is called the “Order of Service” for each Sunday morning This, in our context, refers to a song that our Praise Team will use to draw people to an attitude of worship. Music is chosen that will help us refocus on the our Mighty God and away from the cares and conversations we were focusing on.
Throughout history there has been a call to worship in a corporate religious setting. It is an invitation to set our hearts, minds and even our bodies in a humble position before our God. We see this invitation throughout the Word of God and it is clearly given in Psalm 95.
Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;
Psalm 95:6
However, a call to worship comes at us all the time during the week too. In our spirits we will feel God inviting us to worship Him, who is the only one who can save, redeem, give freedom and the list goes on. The problem is that Satan invites us to worship other things at the same time. Satan wants the glory that should only go to our Jehovah God. So Satan will send out many “robocalls to worship”.
For instance, today, I had a robocall to worship worry. It rang and seemed familiar, like it was important. Should I answer or block that call? Then I get a robocall to worship my cravings. That food looks so good and would make me feel so much better right now. The ringing does not stop. I must decide if I answer it or block it. The robocalls keep coming from my desires, my perceived needs and the many distractions that so fill my day. I foolishly keep answering. What can I do? Is there an app for this?
No, there is no app but I do have the Holy Spirit. He is my helper, my call blocker. (see John 14:26) If I let Him, he will help me know not to bow low to the enemy of my soul when I hear the familiar ringing that demands an answer. Instead of bowing to worry I can surrender to El Emunah, my faithful God who is working on my behalf. Instead of submitting to cravings I can give into El Shaddai , the all sufficient One.
And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus
Philippians 4:19
While I can’t stop the robocalls to worship coming at you and me each day. There is a solution. It is the actual call to worship from the only One, Elohim, who is worthy. As you surrender to the influence of the Holy Spirit in your life He will help you recognize a robocall from the real call. Let the Holy Spirit be the “caller ID” you need to block out the ring tone of the enemy. Then we will join the thousands in heaven who call us to worship with them.
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”
Revelation 5:12
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