Boast No More

Last week, Pastor Rich taught us at Center City Church from Acts 14. He told us about how Paul healed a man’s legs in Iconium. After that, the people in Iconium tried to worship Paul and Barnabas, thinking they were Hermes and Zeus. In Acts 14 it says,

Acts 14:14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out,15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.16 In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways.17 Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” (ESV)

Rich warned us not to fall into the trap of accepting praise that should belong to God. People who play music in churches struggle with this a lot. Wonderful, kind-hearted, encouraging and well-meaning people will often tell those who play music in churches that they enjoyed the music. From my experience, they do that even if the music isn’t very good. That is a kind thing to do, and I always say thank you.

Our goal in playing songs on Sundays is not to be praised, but to put Jesus first in our hearts and minds, and hope that you experience the same thing. Barnabas and Paul went to Iconium with good news for people: Jesus was the Son of God. He made us to know Him. He came to earth blessing and healing people, like the man Paul healed. By faith, we can be forgiven and know God because Jesus suffered and died to pay the penalty for our acts of rebellion against Him.

Let's put aside every distraction. On Sunday, let’s not focus on music for music’s sake, on the worship posture of the person standing next to you, on doughnuts, or new church buildings. Let's not boast in our song, or in how passionately we can sing it. Let’s focus on the Author and Perfector of our faith. Let’s focus on the Lamb of God who was slain for the sins of the world. Let’s focus on Jesus for Who He is and what He has done, and be moved to unpretentious, genuine worship.

As Isaac Watts wrote,

The best obedience of my hands
Dares not appear before Thy throne;
But faith can answer Thy demands,
By pleading what my Lord has done.