We're talking about worship this week, but let me begin today by asking you a question that might seem to have more to do with idolatry than it does with the worship of God.

I wonder if you've ever flown on a private jet. It's the way to beat the crowds

lining up at check-in. It's a breeze through security. And it's unbelievable just to walk out onto the

tarmac and to be greeted by the pilot. And fantastic to be on a small jet with a few friends.

I know because it once happened to me in another country far away. What an experience.

The only thing is, flying economy never seems to be the same again.

Now, you might think I'm telling you this to try to make you jealous, but my motive is actually

more spiritual than that. It's to make this point. Sometimes in life we have experiences

so wonderful that our normal experience seems pretty poor by comparison. But we really only see

the normal experience in its true light when we've had the wonderful experience. And you know,

in many ways the same is true of our worship of God.

I think we'd be surprised to discover how content we can be as worshippers,

with what actually may be profoundly impoverished worship.

But then we experience something different, the presence of God.

We find ourselves bowed down before him in worship and in silence at the end of the service.

And then we realize we've really been in a service of worship.

Sadly, at least in my experience, what people are often talking about when they assess worship

is really only whether the singing was enthusiastic or if there was a choir, whether the anthem was good,

or we liked it, or whether the organist was capable, or the band was good, or played well well or the person who nowadays seems to be known as the worship leader was outstanding or whether the liturgy was well crafted.

I've had more than one minister tell me they've had expert church analysts into their church who have told them that the worship in their morning

service is excellent.

And almost before they pronounce the T, I'm wishing that the heavens would open and a voice

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