PATHWAYS (Writing a Worship Service)
(#6) "Problem. . . Solution"
Worship Service #6
The need for "Atonement" is a central concern of worship. But the Biblical picture of the "barriers" between God and us is rich and varied. The following chart suggests a number of ways in which Scripture explains our "problem(s)" and "need(s)," and how God responds to them.
This structure of "problem...solution" can be used to shape worship services in many different ways, to stress, address and celebrate different aspects of what God does in making us his own. . . his worshipers.
| Problem | Solution | Means |
|---|---|---|
| unclean, impure, unholy | washing, cleansing | blood, water, (oil), fire, new clothes |
| enemies,rebels (at war), lawbreakers (vs. King) |
overcome, reconciles/makes peace, forgives; new covenant (law on heart) | Christ punished as "lawbreaker" |
| idolatry [and 'adultery'], "desires" (seeking self, loving world) | idols shattered, idolaters cleansed, new hearts/desires | |
| proud, trust in self | humbles (then lifts up) | humbled (serves) |
| enslaved | ransoms, redeems | blood, 'mighty hand' |
| 'in the depths,' oppressed | lifts up, seats with princes | descends to the depths |
| weak, sick, wounded | healing | water, oil; 'wounded for us' |
| under curse | blesses | takes the curse, shame |
| dead | raises to life | die, rise in HIM |
| grieving, sorrowing | gives hope, joy; takes away the "shroud", dries our tears | carries our sorrows |
| lost, far away, wandering/straying (in desert, dark)[sheep, children, wife] | seeks, draws back [Shepherd, Father, Husband] | 'draw near' by the blood/cross |
| blind | opens eyes | |
| naked | clothes, 'righteousness', 'best robe' | takes our shame |
| hungry, thirsty (in desert) | feeds, leads to waters (from his throne, Rock), spreads a banquet [on his mt, in desert], Bread of life, | drinks the bitter cup |
Note that many of these categories reflect Biblical stories, and the many different ways that in which God overcomes "barriers." It is helpful in worship to use not just the 'abstract' categories, but to reflect on (or even tell) these stories or redemption, all the while understanding these individual stories as part of the greater story of Creation-Fall-Redemption, the Exodus, and most of all the work of Christ.