Worship as a Window
By Nicholas Zork
Metaphor is a primary way we understand and communicate our understanding of the world we share. Scripture is filled with metaphors: Light and Darkness (1 John 1:5), Shepherd and Sheep (John 10:11), the Vine and the Branches (John 15:5), the Potter and the Clay (Isaiah 64:8), the Bride and Bridegroom (Revelation 19:7), and many more.
While the Bible does not explicitly use a window as a metaphor for worship, the connection between worship and transformed vision is pervasive. In addition to other metaphors for worship—e.g., worship as a sacrifice (Romans 12:1) or worship as a banquet/feast (Revelation 19:9)—I’d suggest that thinking of worship as a window can illuminate and clarify how we approach worship ministry.
The window metaphor serves to remind us of at least three salient truths:
Thinking of worship as a window reminds us that the focus of our worship gatherings is not on the practices, prayers, or the places where we gather but rather on the God we are able to see through them. When we are planning worship, it’s wise to ask not merely how people will perceive what we do, but what opportunity our worship practices will create for God’s continued self-revelation.
Thinking of worship as a window reminds us that true Christian worship is not only a renewed vision of who God is but of who we are as well. Like a window, we can both see God more clearly through our practices and see our own reflection as people created in the image of God. The revelation of a holy God can help convict us of our sins, but as Christ is lifted up and we see God’s character more clearly, we will also be reminded that we are forgiven through God’s abundant grace—and we will see ourselves more clearly, too, as the beloved children of God that we are.
Thinking of worship as a window reminds us of why excellence in worship ministry matters. Like a clean window, the purpose of excellence and preparation is to not be noticed. When a window is clean, you see through it to what’s on the other side. When it’s dirty, you see the window. As we plan and rehearse, we are motivated not to impress participants with our skill and creativity or even to inspire them in a way that will be especially noticeable. Instead, our prayer can be that—like a clean window—we will be largely unseen so that all who gather can attend to the God whose love alone can renew our vision, remind us of who we are, and transform us into who we can be in Christ.