Facedown - Matt Redman

Published by Regal Books/Gospel Light: Ventura, California, 2004.
Part of 'The Worship Series.'

This short book by Christian worship leader and song-writer Matt Redman is (appropriately) all about worship. Matt is a great choice to write a book like this; his own journey as a worship leader included a season where he laid the musical side of worship down entirely in order to re-focus his team on Christ.

The message of Facedown ties into this attitude closely. Matt reminds his readers that God is Almighty, holy, beyond our comprehension, and that worship is an appropriate response before such a God. "Each time we gather together, we don't just journey to a church building - we journey to the very throne of God. To lose sight of this is to lose sight of the majestic in worship. Every kingdom has a king, and every king has a throne. And the kingdom of God is no exception. He is the King above all kings, and He has the throne above all thrones. There is no higher seat of authority, power and splendour in the whole of the universe." (page 16) 

Matt doesn't try to 'tear down' modern worship culture as much as remind us of where the true focus should be. Moving beyond the 'performance' of songs, and instead allowing our reverence and awe of God to shape the way we express ourselves. Even silence can be appropriate at times: "when we sense heaven touching Earth and the Holy Spirit ushers us into an encounter simply too weighty for words." (page 82)

In my life, I have also been on a journey to understand worship better; Matt's book doesn't revolutionise my own understanding, but it does bring some good reminders for anyone, like myself, who longs to honour God as He deserves - a lifelong attempt that will, of course, always remind vastly out of reach.

Well worth a read.

Completed 23 July 2024.

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