Merge Worship

Hebrews 2:11-12 says "For both He (Jesus) who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He (Jesus) is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying,"I WILL PROCLAIM YOUR (Father God) NAME TO MY BRETHREN, IN THE MIDST OF THE CONGREGATION I WILL SING YOUR PRAISE."

This passage is a guiding passage in worship for me. Notice that Jesus says here that he proclaims the Name of God to us and sings God's praise in the congregation. When we gather in our congregations, large or small, Jesus shows up to sing the praise and name of the Father.

The names of God are numerous and encompass every aspect of His character that He has disclosed to us. I believe that Jesus stands up in the midst (King James word ;-) of our gatherings and begins to declare the name of the Father that best describes what God wants to do. I have been in meetings where it was evident that God was there to heal. Based on this passage, I believe that Jesus was there singing out "Jehovah-Rophe" the God that heals. Take some time to reflect on the names of God and the character they reveal. Names like Jehovah-Rophe (healer), Jireh (provider), Tsidkenu (righteousness), Nissi (banner), Shalom (peace), M'Kadesh (sanctifier), Elohim (Lord God) and Rohi (Shepherd). The list could go on. Here's a great site to use for reflection on this: http://ldolphin.org/Names.html

Psalms 22:3 says that He is "entrhoned on the praises of Israel". Which literally means, He sets up His rule where He is praised. Jack Hayford said once that he felt it meant that God would "set up His kingdom rule in the way most appropriate to that situation."

The next time you're leading people in worship. Be listening for the song of Jesus to help you see what the Father's desire is for the people gathered in that place.