Uncommon Worship Series

UNCOMMON WORSHIP

Cure For The Common Life—Part 3

Introduction

Roll “Basketball Passes” Video

BLIND SPOTS OBSCURE MY NEED FOR UNCOMMON WORSHIP

I’m Curious

[36] Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. Luke 7:36

We know by what follows in this story that the Pharisee is not a follower of Jesus or a believer, but probably just curious. Although Jesus is aware of this he accepts the invitation because he loves Simon also.

I’m Passive

I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, Luke 7:44b

You did not give me a kiss, Luke 7:45

You did not put oil on my head, Luke 7:46

These were customary courtesies that a host would show to a guest that he loved and respected. They were not required, but Jesus noticed!

Roll “Worship Hater” Video Here

I Tend To Find Fault

When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is--that she is a sinner." Luke 7:39

Simon, simply proud in spirit has the auspicious distinction of being recorded for all history as the man who sat at meat with the Son of God—and thought himself in a position to patronize him.

In Simon’s mind he was passing judgment. Simon’s reasoning went something like this.

• If Jesus were a prophet, he would know people’s character.

• If Jesus knew this woman was a sinner, He would have nothing to do with her.

• If Jesus were a true teacher he would not allow her to touch him this way.

The problem with logic is the same as the problem with computers; your output is only as reliable as your input. Because Simon logic was based on false assumptions it led him to false conclusions.

First he believes that if Jesus were a prophet, He would be able to discern the character of the woman who was touching him – which was correct. Jesus was not only able to discern the character of this woman, but he was capable of knowing what Simon was thinking. The conclusion that Simon reached was entirely wrong. Since Jesus did not shun this woman, he did not know this woman’s character, and thus was not a prophet at all. By his question to him, Jesus shows that not only could he read her character but that he could even fathom Simon’s innermost thoughts

I don’t want you to miss this, in verse forty, Jesus turns to Simon and says, “Simon I have something that I want to say to you.” I wonder if Jesus comes week by week and taps you on the shoulder and whispers in your ear, “You and I have something to talk about!” There only two kinds of sinners in the world and everyone here fits into one of the two categories. There are sinners who are clear that they are sinners and there are sinners with blind spots who do not know that they are sinners.

Spiritual Direction: Silent prayer time asking God to illuminate my blind spots

MOMENTS OF CLARITY POSITION ME FOR UNCOMMON WORSHIP

Scene Setup:

Nina and her friend and co-worker, Jose, are spending the day together in New York City. Nina is trying to decide what to do about her newly discovered pregnancy. She is depressed about her life; everything appears bleak. And then, suddenly, they come across a man, peddling on the street, who gives Nina a much-needed gift.

Roll Clip “Describe It To Me” Here

Application:

As Nina lazily talked about the surroundings to the blind man, he was able to immediately comprehend the kind of flowers she described. He could name each of them. Nina spoke of the scene across the street in unremarkable terms, but the blind man dearly wished that he could see it. It sounded exciting to him. And then he offered Nina a gift.

Nina, who could see, who could move about freely, who had resources, received a gift from this poor, blind man. The gift was much more than an origami frog. She was focused on her own difficulties, but her meeting with this man helped her to refocus a bit on the beauty of life. We should not take such gifts for granted.

A thankful, appreciative heart changes the way we see the world. When our eyes are focused on ourselves, it breeds selfishness. When our eyes are focused on the Lord and what He makes and provides, it leads to gratitude and wonder. Only when we take our eyes off of ourselves can we really see. The ability to gain an eternal perspective allows us to reevaluate the severity of those things we call trials, and to appreciate what we formerly thought of as commonplace.