“If Biblical Christianity is to survive the present world of upheaval, we shall need to have a fresh revelation of the greatness and beauty of Jesus. He alone can raise our cold hearts to rapture and restore again the art of true worship.” - A.W. Tozer
Wars and rumors of wars. Deadly diseases. Long-awaited reckonings of race and gender. Power imbalance and abuse. Beauty is often hidden in the cracks of our broken world. But it is out of the perfection of beauty that God shines forth as more beautiful (Psalm 50:2). It is into the darkness that a light has shone and not been overcome (John 1:5). We celebrate on Easter that Christ has made a public spectacle of death triumphing over them in the cross (Colossians 2:14-15). That Christ has come and is coming again. That He will wipe every tear, and dwell among His people illuminating hearts and lives (Revelation 21:3-4, 22:5).
It is not in a world - or circumstance - free from brokenness and upheaval that worship is restored, but here and now as we acknowledge our brokenness and catch glimpses of the beauty of God.
God, give us the ability to recognize the brokenness in ourselves as much as the world. Spirit, lift our eyes to see, know, love, and treasure Jesus. In His name, amen.
May it be so,
AB