It was a Christian tribe in Africa which softened my heart to those who worship differently than I. I happened across their service on the TV somewhere.
I could not understand a single word being said, and one could tell these folks were of the poorest sort- Their church was a big roof without walls... unfinished pole construction bound with rope... But as the narration explained the high cost of pure white linen, I noticed that every single one of them, from the swaddling of the babes to the eldest man, everyone was dressed exactly the same, in brilliantly white robes.
And the praise of that service! Everyone jumping up and down in unison singing in extraordinary harmonies... The sheer love of God upon their faces...
Even while unable to understand a single word they were saying, I felt the Spirit come down upon me, and joy filled my crusty old heart.
That service would cause many a blue haired old lady to turn up her nose with a sniff... so different, so unorthodox... Where were the Psalter Hymnals? Where where the brooding strains of reverent music? Where were the walls, for pity's sake?
But in my heart, I know that those were some of the richest folks I have ever seen.
And the praise of that service! Everyone jumping up and down in unison singing in extraordinary harmonies... The sheer love of God upon their faces...
Even while unable to understand a single word they were saying, I felt the Spirit come down upon me, and joy filled my crusty old heart.
That service would cause many a blue haired old lady to turn up her nose with a sniff... so different, so unorthodox... Where were the Psalter Hymnals? Where where the brooding strains of reverent music? Where were the walls, for pity’s sake?
But in my heart, I know that those were some of the richest folks I have ever seen.
= = =
PRAISE GOD! INDEED!
I haven’t seen that one though I’d greatly love to. I have had many similar expxeriences. Kind of takes the starch out when one
SEES THE LORD
HIGH AND LIFTED UP AND HIS TRAIN FILLING THE TEMPLE
through such as that . . .
Kind of removes allllllll other foci
save
GOD ALONE.