The Decades band was comprised of eight musicians, all with very individual talents, likes, dislikes and abilities, but together they played as a harmonious, cohesive group. Each member blending with the other’s special abilities producing a beautiful sound, while individual, was musical unity.
The “Decades” were largely practicing Christians and churchgoers, members of five different religious denominations, a very ecumenical group. The differences in religious opinion or form of worship were never a concern in the group or a subject of discussion. They were a unit with a common purpose, to perform together as one.
We know that our Risen Savior, Jesus Christ, envisioned His teaching and Gospel to be preached and propagated throughout the world. Jesus chose His Disciples, a band of very differing talents, abilities and personalities. Jesus knew they would together go forth into the population, to minister to the lost spiritual souls, to bring them to the realization, there was only one God, one true door to Heaven, and that was through Jesus Christ Himself. The only door.
Jesus sent the powerful Holy Spirit to rest upon each of His Apostles, at Pentecost, to strengthen and guide each of them in their daunting, tortuous, Holy quest. These basically untrained, but empowered men, were together a force that changed the world, they were united in spirit, Jesus instruments in His Evangelical Band.
In our communities, we see our beautiful churches struggling, empty pews are commonplace. Could Jesus possibly envision His church being so fragmented? I don’t think so! We are consumed with petty items of service order, sanctuary items, hymns, and liturgy that override Jesus’ desperate call to unity of worship. To worship our Lord and Savior is one of the most important elements of our being. We must worship. Jesus pleads for our worship.
What does the future hold for the Christian that embraces regular worship? What must we do? Ephesians 4:2-6 With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.
As in the Band, we will all make mistakes, but we must overlook our differences as we search for answers to our worship dilemma. To serve as a beacon for Christ, we must come together. We must worship together, and we must play our instruments together, producing the harmony Jesus expects from all of us as His Christian Band. Otherwise, Jesus’ musical score will no longer be played; the empty sanctuaries will be silent except for the memories of when Jesus’ word was preached to his attentive, loving flocks. Amen.
- Rev. Deacon Jack Robson, Last Mountain Anglican Parish
Disclaimer: opinions expressed are those of the writer.
