HERE I AM TO WORSHIP

It’s rare to hear of God’s prophecies and promises specifically for descendants of Africa. Yet the Bible does reference prophecies and promises for us. Isaiah foretold that God would bring forth a remnant from Cush (Isaiah 11:11). Psalm 68:31 declares that Cush will reach out its arms to God, and this redeemed people, these worshipers from beyond the rivers of Cush (Isaiah 18:1-8), will bring offerings and bear gifts to Zion (Zephaniah 3:10). 

As I’ve contemplated God’s prophetic Word for me and for my people (See Bible Study Series – 

Discovering My Biblical African Roots Bible Series), I’ve wondered as to the exact meaning that we, a worshipping remnant of Cush, would reach out our arms to God, bring Him offerings and bear gifts to Zion?

Scripture

John 4:23-24 – But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

Lessons Learned

As mentioned in previous lessons, each of these topics can be a study in and of themselves. And in time, they will be. But for now, here’s a brief synopsis of my understanding of God’s prophetic messages to the descendants of Cush. 

The series Discovering My Biblical African Roots Bible Series ended by establishing who Cush and the descendants of Cush were literally and figuratively in the Bible. Cushites were militaristic people (2 Chronicles 14:9-15, Isaiah 20:3–4, Jeremiah 46:9 and Ezekiel 30:4–5, 38:5) who were mighty and conquering, feared near and far (Isaiah 18:2). They were also known for their wealth (Job 28:19) and strength (Nahum 3:9). They were kings and rulers (Isaiah 37:9, II Kings 19:9, 2 Chronicles 14:9-15) and major geopolitical players during King Hezekiah’s reign (2 Kings 18-20, Isaiah 36-39, and 2 Kings 19:9). 

The Cushites, like many neighboring nations of the Israelites, became prideful and turned away from God (Isaiah 13:11, 18:2, Ezekiel 30:1-8) and, as a result, were destined to experience God’s wrath (Isaiah 20:4-5, Zephaniah 2:12, 2 Chronicles 14:13, Amos 9:8). However, because of His love for his people, God had a plan and a promise for the salvation of His faithful remnant (Romans 9:27-28, Revelation 12:17). 

Then who exactly are God’s remnant people? A remnant is a small remaining quantity of a larger whole of something. Biblically speaking, God’s remnant people are a small group of people who God has set apart, has redeemed, and have or will save (Matthew 7:13-14, Romans 9:27). “Although remnants could be looked upon as worthless scraps, and many times are, God assigned a high value to those of His people whom He had set aside for holy purposes, those He labels as “remnants.” From https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-remnant.html 

Isaiah 11:11 speaks of God’s remnant, and Cush is said to be amongst this group of chosen people. Other characteristics of God’s remnant are those who are faithful (Romans 11:5), who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ (Revelation 12:17), who recognize and accept God’s forgiveness (Micah 7:18-19), have integrity and strive to live justly or free of sin (Zephaniah 3:13), and are chosen and set apart by God (Micah2:12). 

As descendants of Cush, who are faithful, who keep the commandments and live justly, are counted as part of the remnant. Praise God, hallelujah! But wait. There’s more. Not only are we identified explicitly as part of the remnant, but we also have been called out as a worshipping remnant of Cush who will reach out our arms to God, bring Him offerings and bear gifts to Zion (Isaiah 18:1-8, Zephaniah 3:10). 

It has been prophesied that we will reach our arms to God. What exactly does this mean? The Hebrew meaning of the text “shall soon stretch out” means that it will be done with haste or with an eagerness (https://www.quotescosmos.com/bible/bible-verses/Psalm-68-31.html).

“The meaning of “shall soon stretch out her hands” could have several meanings. One meaning could reference a posture of faithfully “receiving” power from God (Exodus 7:19, 8:5 and 9:22, Joshua 8:18-19, Acts 4:30) to perform miracles. It can also be a gesture of sorrow ( Jeremiah 4:31, Lamentations 1:17) and a posture of prayer, supplication and submission (Job 11:13-15, Psalm 141:2, I Timothy 2:8). And if we continue reading on to verse 32 of Psalm 68, we can see that the posture of outstretched hands is also one of praise and worship. “Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; oh sing praises to the Lord.” 

Zephaniah 3:10-12 further describes God’s message to the remnant of Cush. 

From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia

My worshipers,

The daughter of My dispersed ones,

Shall bring My offering.

11 In that day, you shall not be shamed for any of your deeds

In which you transgress against Me;

For then, I will take away from your midst

Those who rejoice in your pride,

And you shall no longer be haughty

In My holy mountain.

12 I will leave in your midst

A meek and humble people,

And they shall trust in the name of the Lord.

Here, we are explicitly called God’s worshippers. I just want to sit right here in this space for a moment. We, this called out remnant people – We, God’s dispersed daughters who have been carried away, many of our people on slave ships, beyond the rivers of Ethiopia – We, who are hastily returning to God with outstretched hands – We who are bringing Him our offerings without shame of our past, but as a meek and humble people – We who are trusting in the name of the Lord – are God’s true worshippers!!!!

Lessons Lived

I don’t know about you, but I had to take a serious praise break. I literally have goosebumps while writing this. Our calling as remnant Cushites has been made clear as daylight for the first time. I’ve come to understand that our blessing, redemption, and restoration as a people aren’t going to come through a return to power and wealth or recognition and restitution. No, our redemption and restoration as a people will come through our return to God (Lamentations 5:21), our worship of Him and Him alone (John 4:23-24) and our example of worship to the world (Zephaniah 3:11-12). And again, I’m not saying that power, wealth, recognition or restitution are unimportant or undeserved. But what I am saying is that I don’t believe this is what God has prioritized for us as a people. He wants our worship, our sacrifice, and our humility.  

I can’t wait to write a series on worship because there is just so much we need to unpack. But for right now, just embrace the fact that we are God’s worshippers. Note that God didn’t say that we are to be His praisers. For so long, I confused praise with worship. And if you’ve ever experienced a “Black Church” service, you’d agree that yes, of course, we are God’s worshippers. We have cornered the market on praise. But I’ve come to understand that while worship inhabits our praise, worship is so much more. 

According to Webster’s Dictionary (1828), worship is to honor with extravagant love and extreme submission. However, Biblical Worship isn’t simply a cerebral, emotional or mystical exaggerated expression of our feelings. Biblical worship is the presentation of our entire selves as a living sacrifice to God, ignited by the Holy Spirit (From <https://pursuitbible.com/what-is-worship-according-to-the-bible/>). Biblical worship is a function of the heart expressed through a lifestyle of holiness at all times (Habakkuk 3:17-18, Psalm 34:1, 61:8, 63:4, 71:14). It is an intimate relationship with God in which we express our reverence or deep respect, our love and our adoration for God. It is defined by the priority we place on living a Godly life (From <https://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/bible-answers/spirituallife/what-is-true-worship.html>).>). As God’s true worshippers (John 4:23), we are called to worship Him with our whole selves – mind and body (Romans 12:1-2, I Thessalonians 5:23), in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1).

Our worship should encompass: 

  • Our Love for God and Others – (Psalm 24:3, Matthew 5:8, Psalm 66:16-18)
  • Our Humility – (Philippians 3:3, Psalms 103:13-18, Proverbs 3:7, Zephaniah 3:12)
  • Our Obedience – (Romans 12:1, I Peter 2:5,9 Deuteronomy 10:12, 2 King 17:38-39)
  • Our Sacrifice – (Genesis 4:4-7, Genesis 22:12-14, Luke 7:36-50, Mark 12:41-44)
  • Our Service – (Revelation 14:6-7, Luke 4:18-19, Matthew 28:19-20, Proverbs 19:17, I John 3:17-18, Isaiah 58:10, Hebrews 12:28)
  • Our Praise – (Nehemiah 8:6, Psalm 34:1, 61:8, 71:14-15, Malachi 1:6-9, Isaiah 11:12-19, 29:13, John 2:13-17, Romans 5:2, Hebrews 13:15)

What a tall order. Personally, I find it easier to write about injustice, march on behalf of the oppressed, work towards economic empowerment for my community, educate others about uplifting the marginalized, or give voice to the voiceless. It’s been easier to highlight what “they” need to do to right the wrongs I feel my people and I have endured. But this? This is hard. How do I sing the Lord’s song in this strange land of oppression, sin, hurt, and pain (Psalm 137:4)? How do I humble myself when that makes me look weak? How do I love others when they kick me and keep me down? How do I praise when I’m so discouraged? How do I serve when I have so many needs myself? 

And just when I was beginning to feel completely overwhelmed, God reminded me that He hasn’t left me without an example (John 13:13-15) or without a Helper (John 15:26). 

Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God, the King of all kings, the One Who was regal, royal, blameless and without sin, is the only One Who had the right to be prideful, puffed up, and worthy of retribution. Yet when Jesus was scorned, rebuked, chastised, beaten, betrayed, humiliated, and even put to death (Isaiah 53:5, Luke 8:53, Matthew 27:27-31), He still served as our perfect example of love, humility, sacrifice and service (Philippians 2:5-7, Hebrews 5:8). Jesus responded to lies with truth (Matthew 4:1-11). He remained silent when mocked (Luke 22:63-65). He forgave those who persecuted Him (Luke 23:34). When they hurled their insults at Him, Jesus did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats. Instead, He entrusted Himself to His Father, who judges justly (I Peter 2:23). Jesus even obeyed when the ask seemed preposterous, humiliating, undeserved, and painful beyond words (Luke 22:42). But most importantly, Jesus glorified and worshipped His Father in heaven  (John 8:54, 17:1, Matthew 26:17, 30, Luke 4:17-21). 

And that’s what we’re called to do. Be like Jesus. Respond to lies with truth – the Word of God (II Timothy 2:25). Rebuke in love (Galatians 6:1). Forgive and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44). Respond in silence to mockery (Proverbs 13:3). Don’t retaliate when wronged. We’re called to do what is contradictory to our nature – feed our hungry enemy, pour water to quench his thirst and shower him with love (Proverbs 25:21-22). Don’t threaten. Don’t hate. Don’t retaliate. Instead, give. Love. Humble yourself. And glorify your Father in heaven.  

I know this is easier said than done. But we must love. Even the people who mistreat us, hurt us and oppress us. Truth be told, wanting something from “the oppressors,” whoever they might be, is pointless. It’s a waste of time and energy seeking payment for a debt that no man or woman can pay. So love. Let God serve as our debt collector. Ask Him to take away the bitterness, the anger, the hurt and the pain and replace it all with love. 

Perhaps we’ve been humbled so that God can use us to love, serve, give, submit, obey and worship as an example so that others might be saved (I Corinthians 1:27-29). We’ve been called out (I Peter 2:9)! How will you respond? I hope you’ll join me in a response of worship and love. 

Reflections

  • How does John 4:23-24 speak to you?
  • How do the texts Isaiah 11:11, Isaiah 18:1-8, Psalm 68:31 and Zephaniah 3:10-12 speak to you?
  • What does being God’s true worshipper mean to you?
  • How do you understand what it means to worship God? 
  • How can you be more like Jesus in your response to the oppressors or the enemies in your life or community? 
  • What is your understanding of worship? 
  • How might your worship change in light of what you’ve read and studied?
  • What are your personal LIFE Lessons?
    • Liberation: What new insights have you gained that have freed you from past thoughts and practices? 
    • Inspiration: In what ways have you been spiritually, emotionally and mentally motivated to live for Christ?
    • Fortification: What additional scriptural texts, passages or stories can reinforce and strengthen you against the attacks of the enemy?

Edification: How might you share your story to edify others and bring glory to God?

Playlist

As you process, digest, and apply what’s been shared, here are a couple of songs from “My Black Life” Playlist. Listen and let the music infiltrate your soul. Read the lyrics and let the words encourage you. And I pray that you’ll be blessed as I was. 

Prayer

Dear Sovereign Lord, please turn us back to You, so that we might be restored; and please renew our days as of old (Lamentations 5:21). You, oh Lord, made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “‘Why do the nations rage and the people’s plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up, and the rulers band together against the Lord and against Your anointed ones (Psalm 2:1-2). Indeed many conspire against us doing what Your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. But now, Lord, consider their threats, lies, unjust behavior, and oppression and enable us, your servants, to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus (Acts 4:24-31). In Your most holy name Jesus, I pray, Amen.