What is a Worship Tool? 1. A visual reminder 2. A proclamation or declaration 3. A message (spoken or unspoken) 4. Symbolic (can represent a heavenly reality) 5. A point of contact 6. Aid in our expression 7. Impacts the spiritual realm as the Word of God is mixed with faith
“Worship is our warfare” 2 Chronicles 20:21-22– “After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise Him for the splendor of His holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: ‘Give thanks to the LORD, for His love endures forever.” As they began to sing and praise, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated.”
The battle is the LORD’s, but we participate with Him through praise.
Psalm 144:1 – “Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”
Symbolism in Bible “Symbolism is a language created by God, a universal means of communication that extends beyond the boundaries of words.” -- Jeanette Strauss, Heavenly Impact
The Bible is full of symbolism from Genesis to Revelation.
A few examples (there are many, many more!): Passover (Exodus 12, 1 Corinthians 5:7) Tabernacle – (Exodus 24-31, 1 Corinthians 6:19) Water Baptism (Romans 6:3-4) The Lord’s Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) Parables of Jesus (Matthew 13:34)
The Lord speaks to us in symbolic language (e.g. dreams, visions)
Symbolism in Praise, Worship and Intercession
God often uses symbols (something observable in physical realm) to represent a heavenly reality.
Symbolic instruments declare a message in spiritual realm.
Role of Faith
As new creations in Jesus Christ, Christ lives in us and we live by faith (Galatians 2:20, 2 Cor. 5:7, Hebrews 11:6, Romans 14:23)
There is no inherent power in the tool (e.g. flag) in and of itself, but when we yield to God by faith and in obedience to what He is showing us to do, it becomes a powerful tool that impacts the spiritual realm.
Partnering with God
God is always inviting us to partner with Him through faith & obedience.
Examples in Scripture:
God invites someone to partner with Him in an act of obedience, and God accomplishes His supernatural purposes through it:
Moses Exodus 34
Rod or staff Moses had in his hand had no power in and of itself, but Moses yielded to God in obedience to what Lord told him to do, and it became the “rod of God” (Exodus 4:20)
Moses used the “rod of God” to perform many miraculous signs and brought forth God’s purposes in the earth (Exodus 7:20, 8:5, 8:16, 10:13, Exodus 14, Exodus 17)
Gideon Judges 6-7
Prophetic act in obedience to the Lord – Lord supernaturally gave Israelites victory
“One of the reasons that Gideon included himself in the declaration, ‘The sword of the Lord and of Gideon’ was to make it clear that when you blend the word of God with man’s obedience, you get victory.” -- Jeanette Strauss, Heavenly Impact
Jesus
Going to the cross was the ultimate example of physical act of obedience. Through it, God accomplished Heaven’s purposes for us (Philippians 2:8)
God is looking for someone to partner with Him to release heaven’s purposes in the earth.
2 Chronicles 16:9 – “…the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.”
We can partner with God through faith & obedience in our daily lives, and as he leads us to use symbolic worship tools - He accomplishes heaven’s supernatural purposes through us.
