Every Tribe, People, Language

Worship is spiritual formation. Every Sunday, when we gather, we are being shaped and molded by the message, the songs we sing, the order of the service, the announcements, the prayers, standing, sitting, closing our eyes, raising our hands... everything we do together on Sunday helps us yield more of ourselves to worship Jesus Monday through Saturday.

This week I was particularly excited for our worship service because I asked Elba and Danielle, both from Brazil and both of whom speak Portuguese fluently, to sing parts of "10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)" in their native language. I was inspired to have a foreign language reach my ears and heart as we worshiped God together, for several reasons:

1. It gives us perspective.
It's easy to get focused inward and only see our small corner of the global Church. The Church--capital 'C' denotes the universal collective of Jesus followers, from the first disciples of first century, to the expanding Church of today, to the believers that will follow us, until Jesus' Kingdom comes--is so much bigger than we usually imagine! When we remember this truth, we are prompted to celebrate and thank God for those who have gone before, to pray for those under persecution today, and to commit to God those who will believe the Gospel tomorrow.

2. It tells the Biblical story.
Acts 2 has this great scene where tongues of fire fall on the gathered disciples of Jesus, and they begin speaking in foreign languages. As a result, people overhear the praise of God in their own tongue, and it sets up a moment of witness: many put their trust in Jesus.

Likewise, the New Testament gives us a picture of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures coming together under the banner of Jesus. Sometimes this leads to friction, but God's invitation is clearly open to everyone, no matter their background.

Likewise, Revelation (John's vision of heaven and Kingdom come) portrays God's throne as a place where people of every tribe, nation, people, and language are gathered in eternal praise. When we hear/sing in different languages, we get a sense of the diversity of believers, and the diversity of heaven.

3. It opens our doors wider.
I know from conversations with people over the years that visiting a church can be intimidating, especially if there is a language or color barrier. I pray our church can be a place that welcomes everyone. When we include diversity in our leadership, in our songs, and in language, we practice hospitality.


For the sake of the world, and for our sake as worshipers, let us be people who celebrate the diversity of language, tribe, nation and people who make up the collective Church of Jesus Christ!