Josh Hoke's Blog

I recorded this song with my computer mic sitting at my kitchen table the other morning pouring over Psalm 148.

Glorify Jesus (initial version)

Father the time has come, glorify the Son
Your voice still echoing, ancient glory sings

Glorify Jesus, the Son of God
He has given us Eternal Life

Glory from before time, love that is Divine
We look to heaven's Light, be glorified

Glorify Jesus, the Son of God
He has given us Eternal Life

Never to be alone, it feels like coming home

recently i was teaching in a local high school and on my free period was commissioned to fill-in for someone at the security desk at the main entrance of the school. as i sat there reading my newspaper, i heard a bit of a commotion coming down the hallway toward me. as they turned the corner, i saw a procession of young men and women, full of excitement and expectation, absolutely giddy about whatever they were doing or wherever they were going. as they came closer i saw that these were the special education students of the school on their way to a field trip. as they drew nearer to the exit of the school (and freedom) they grew more and more excited and as they passed they all began waving at me as if to say, "look mr. hoke! we're leaving school - we're walking out right now and we even have permission!" one particular young man with down syndrome turned from waving at me, with the most sincere and joy-filled grin you've ever seen, saw the exit and the school bus awaiting them, and began pumping his fist in the air toward the doors saying, "yes! yes!" as they left, i found myself realizing how close to the kingdom of Heaven i had just been. the innocence and joy in the faces of these young people was more than mere excitement - it was glory and it was holy.

last night was the first Purpose:united worship service. it was in the whittenberger auditorium at indiana university in bloomington, indiana at 7:30pm. about 115 people attended. the night consisted of worship and prayer - all for unity of God's people with one another and with our Father God, echoing Jesus' prayer in John 17. His prayer was our anthem and focus.

at about 7:30 bill kershner stood up as "wake up" by the arcade fire played and invited the students and ministry leaders into a time of silence, a holy reverence of God. after he prayed, we took the stage for worship, beginning by singing the doxology. we ended the set with passion's version of Jesus Paid it All and the tag: "O praise the One who paid my debt and raises life up from the dead." Tears flowed as the people poured out their lives before Christ Jesus. the atmosphere was so vibrant and refreshing. it felt brighter it seemed as if the Holy Spirit brought a lightness and freedom to everyone. His glory was evident as we lifted our hearts and voices in one accord. we called this first movement "adoration."

this week I have been unable to get away from the reality of this honest psalm. this psalm seems like it was written in one of those moments of triumph, of having been rescued and delivered. you know those moments when the fingerprints of God are still on your fumbling lips? when you were set adrift in endless seas and the God of all Creation reached for you, pulled you through and set you on the Rock. all that your wimpering soul can think to do with this newfound freshness, rejuvenation and life is...sing!