Rehearsing for Eternity - Pastors Joe and Becky Cruse
What a joy to be able to share a few thoughts with you regarding the passion of our lives—worship. As founders of Worship Works Ministries, International (WMI), located in Austin Texas, the live music capital of the world, we have just celebrated our 35th year in full-time ministry. We have had the privilege of leading worship for some of the greatest churches and ministers in the world. In 1997 the Lord spoke to us and said, “If you want to continue to travel and lead worship, you’re welcome to do so. But I would prefer that you take what I’ve put in you and put that heart of worship into the next generation.” Consequently, in 1999 WMI was born. We continue to do select conferences to date, but in 2001 we moved the ministry to Austin and began our church, City Worship Centre. In 2002, we began Institute for the Arts (IFTA), a fully accredited, three-year post-secondary school for worshipers, musicians, and leaders (go to www.instituteforthearts.com for more info).
Over the next few months, we would like to share some of the things God has shown us and a few of the truths we have taught at the institute. We pray these truths will be a blessing.
The “Whys”of Worship
Let us begin by asking a very important question––why do we worship? Do we need to fill an empty space in a service? Is it because it is the religious American way? Do we worship because we like music and we need an outlet? Why do we worship? First of all, we worship because He is worthy. The Lord is worthy. It’s not about us. It’s about Him. Psalms 18:3 (KJV) says, “I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” Also, Revelation 4:11 says, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and we are created.”
The truth of the matter is that no created being is worthy of praise—only the Creator. The Bible tells us that He is worthy and therefore, we, His creation, must praise Him. Our worship is not out of need, because as His children, we know that the blessings of the Father are already ours. We worship the Lord because we love Him. No strings attached.
Created in His Image
Another wonderful reason we worship is because we were created to worship Him. Isaiah 65:18 says, “But be ye glad and rejoice forever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.” We can never loose sight that we are His children and we were created for His joy. Psalms 148:7-14 says, "Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps: Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars: Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl: Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth: Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: Let them praise the name of the Lord: for his name alone is excellent; His glory is above the earth and heaven. … even of the children of Israel, a people near unto Him. Praise ye the Lord.”
This passage speaks of God’s creations praising Him and because we are created for praise, we must establish His praise—to declare His praise. We are the only part of creation that God has given a will or choice to praise Him. We are created in His likeness, how can we not bring forth His praise?
From Generation to Generation
Lastly, and I love this reason. We worship because future generations are dependant upon our worship. Psalms 102:12 in the Amplified Bible says, “But You, O Lord, are enthroned forever; and the fame of Your name endures to all generations.” Also, Psalms 102:18 says, "let this be recorded for the generation yet unborn, that a people yet to be created shall praise the Lord.”
This is why you and I were created and one of the main reason worship leaders are needed—it is a part of our destiny and our purpose—to proclaim the goodness of the Lord from generation to generation. What a mandate.
Over the next few months we will explore many of the facets of worship. We will discuss personal and corporate challenges and hopefully solutions as well. We hope you will share your worship experiences with us and I pray these exchanges will be a blessing. If you have questions you can contact us at joeandbeckycruse.com.
