Come or welcome?

As someone comes to our house, this is what welcomes them in the late Spring. Anyone that comes just has to receive what is already given to them. No one has to invoke the beautiful setting that blesses them upon arrival. The laurels did not have to be invited to bless you and me, they just had to be received as they welcome us.

I have always been curious at some of the theology in contemporary praise and worship music. This is not to say there is some interesting theology in some of the old hymns too, but the singing in the mainstream churches does not have the same fervor that it does in evangelical churches where the congregation is more "into" the singing as an active part of worship.

To me, this makes it more concerning when theology may be a little off because the worshiper is more likely to take into his or her soul the words of the songs. By taking in slightly flawed theology the worshiper may be reinforcing in their soul patterns of thought that can negatively affect their understanding of God and subsequently the quality of their experience with God.

Here are some recent examples:
"God, I am chasing after You" - we don't chase after God. He is not hiding or running from us. Rather, He pursues us. It would be more correct to sing, "God I am ready to be caught."

"Let justice and praise become my embrace" - no, justice is the focus of our carnal mind. Our flesh desires fairness. Grace is the way Kingdom dwellers make sense of things. God is just but He took care of the justice for us. "Grace and praise become my embrace."

"Let you face shine on us" - The Gospel is about Christ in us, the hope of glory. "On" is a more external view of God's favor given to us for our benefit. He wants His "face" to shine in or through us so that others see Him when they see us for His benefit.

And finally, "Come Lord Jesus come" - God sent Jesus to us before we even knew we needed Him (prevenient Grace). He needs no invite. It is His initiative that claims us. Our response to His initiative is to receive or welcome Him who has already come.

I know that many of you think I am just splitting hairs because I am a word nerd. However, I am sold out to the fact that how we make sense of our self and God goes a long way to determine, not our salvation, but the quality of our experience and witness as a Kingdom dweller.

Our nature influences us in ways that are legalistic and at odds with God's view of us. We need to sing into our souls our thankfulness for His Sovereign Grace, His initiatives on our behalf, and our role as ambassadors, not club members with amenities based on our dues.