"Praise the LORD with the harp; make music to him
on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for
joy. For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does."
(Ps 33:2-4 NIV)
It's amazing what a powerful tool music can be for witnessing. Who would have
thought that it can touch people right at their very core and lead them straight
to Jesus?
As we were waiting in the long, torturous lines to enter the Molson Theater in
Toronto, we were surrounded by various different kinds of individuals. It was
clear that many were non-believers, while others were believers. Although it was
very hot and we were starting to radiate distastefully foul odors, all of us,
believers and non-believers alike, stayed in that line!
It's true that many of us tried to find shelter under the few available trees.
Some had been wise enough to bring umbrellas, but the vast majority suffered in
silence as we melted away at least a pound every minute. But we didn't mind. We
were all too focussed on our goal: The Hillsong United concert! What a relief
when we were finally ushered into the theatre and allowed to sit down under the
cover that protected this particular outdoor theatre. It wasn't long before the
line-ups at the food stands were longer than the line-ups had been outside, and
it wasn't too much of a surprise when we learned that the vending machines had
completely run out of drinks!
Once the concert was under way I was astounded by the number of people who were
putting their hearts and souls into worshipping Jesus. In fact, no one was
pouting or putting fingers in their ears. Instead, everyone, completely carried
away by the awesome presence of God's Spirit, was thoroughly engaged in intent
concentration, hanging onto each and ever word being sung.
As I looked around, I noticed that each person in attendance had his own, unique
way of worshipping God. Some were singing out at the top of their lungs, others
were muttering the words, and still others were just listening. Some had their
eyes closed in deep meditation, while most of the crowd stood with their eyes
lifted heavenward. Most of us were jumping up and down, dancing, waving our
hands in the air, or rocking back and forth, but some were on bended knees, and
others just sat and stared at the band, their faces filled with adoration…
When the band stopped to introduce their youth pastor, pastor Dooley, I
anticipated that many would be disrespectful. Instead, the Molson Theater was
completely silent! Wait! This was unheard of! No one was even stirring when
Pastor Dooley shared his message!
As he was preaching, my eyes moved outside the theatre, to the
electricity-generating windmills in the distance, and I couldn't help but be
reminded that God's Spirit is indeed in control! We were on sacred ground, and
most in attendance obviously realized this! More than 1800 people gave their
heart to the One who really cares that night! It was truly an evening of
rejoicing!
There are many ways to witness, but the best one is when God's Holy Spirit takes
over. Our only task is to be willing, true, and jubilant about the One we truly
love!
"And I'll take up the lute and thank you to the tune of your faithfulness, God.
I'll make music for you on a harp, Holy One of Israel. When I open up in song to
you, I let out lungsful of praise, my rescued life a song. All day long I'm
chanting about you and your righteous ways." (Ps 71:22-24 The Message)
"Here's a word you can take to heart and depend on: Jesus Christ came into the
world to save sinners. I'm proof - Public Sinner Number One!" (1 Tim 1:15 The
Message)
P. S. A message to all parents out there: Planning to take your kids to an
outdoor Christian concert? Bring an umbrella! It's handy against both rain and
heat, and it can even be used to save a seat!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.