Easter at Emmanuel Faith in 2017 was a celebration to remember. The choir lifted their voices, the orchestra swelled, and the band played. Across four services, thousands of people gathered to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior. Every note, every harmony, every hand raised was an expression of praise to the God who conquered death.
Just a week later, I found myself in Ethiopia for their Easter services, celebrated according to the Julian calendar. The setting was entirely different, yet the heart of the celebration was the same. In a small gathering of about 100 believers from two villages, the “band” consisted of a single woman banging a water jug as a drum. They sang with all their hearts, their voices rising in unity and joy to honor the risen Savior. We, the Ethiopians and the team of 18 North Americans, joined hands together and jumped and praised our Lord.
The contrast was striking. Yet in both places, the same God was being glorified. Across nations, across cultures, across languages, our Creator draws us together. Despite differences in traditions, instruments, or worship styles, we are all made in His image and called to proclaim His victory over sin and death. This is the God we serve — the God who unifies, who breaks barriers, and who invites every heart to join in celebration.
In a culture where worship often becomes more about personal preference, may the joy of believers from across the world dancing and singing to the beat of a water jug remind us that who we worship is more important than how we worship. The condition of our hearts as we come before Him matters far more than instruments, style, or production. From our global family, we can learn that worship is a response of love, gratitude, and awe — expressed in countless ways, yet always pointing to the same Savior. Their wholehearted praise challenges us to focus on the essence of worship: surrendering our hearts to God and celebrating His goodness, power, and faithfulness.
Reflection Questions:
(1) In what ways are you united with the global church in worship and mission?
(2) How can you cultivate more wholehearted, God-centered worship in your daily life?
Alli S.
Outreach Team