If you’ve ever played in an orchestra or enjoyed a performance by one, you should have recognized the consistent yet awkward way it begins. While the conductor waits until start time to emerge on stage, all instrumentalists are positioned on stage, warming up to whatever piece prepares them most for the concert. As you take your seat, the mood almost feels chaotic because there is no order to what you hear.
Then, all of a sudden, a note transcends the rest.
Everyone stops.
One musician plays an A note on the oboe, and everyone tunes to that pitch.
All the individualized frenzies cease, and one person brings unity and tonal alignment before attempting something together.
The conductor emerges on stage, and then you can experience the breathtaking sonic shapes of a symphony.
If you listened to any individual musician, it might seem pleasant, but together, there’s something noteworthier happening. There is skill in the individual but magnificence in the whole.
It’s what worship should be like. After we have played our independent scales all week long, we come together, tune to the standard of the Scriptures, and create something glorious together for an audience of one.
34 I will bless the Lord at all times;
Psalm 34:1-3
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!
Worship is when we put our individual melodies aside and unite for symphonic praise that God wholeheartedly deserves. Gather with God’s people and make beautiful music together.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
