The first time I came across the term “multiverse” was a few years ago while geeking out to a season of “The Flash” with my kids. In true DC Comics science-fiction fashion, Barry Allen, the speedster known as The Flash is able to run so fast he can beat the laws of both time and space, unveiling the complexities of not only our own universe, but multiple universes overlayed upon ours.
Multiverse has become a buzzword among gamers and superhero buffs everywhere.
Recently I was pondering this term and realized it has application to my experience of biblical faith. Do I believe in multiple universes? No. Do I treasure multiple verses from God’s word? Absolutely!
Using sanctified imagination, I offer three biblical verses that make up my multiverse. These texts have informed my walk with and calling from the Lord.
1. “Together for good”
As I finished grade ten, my parents announced that they were being led to move our family in order to start a pastoral position in a new church. Having enjoyed many years growing up in our current city, with rich connections at school and friendships at church, this familial news rocked my world. I was not interested in being uprooted, nor in the prospect of having to find new friends, new routines, or a new school. This was my season to wrestle with God.
For a full week, I wore a plastic smile on my face, convincing the world that I was fine and yet battling a war inside. It was time I made my parents’ faith my own. During that week of spiritual struggle, the Lord broke through using two things: one was a Christian song, the second was a Bible verse.
First, I surely date myself by name-dropping the perhaps forgotten songwriter Scott Wesley Brown. The lyrics to one of his songs helped me surrender to God’s will for my life. The exact song is gone from my memory, but its impact lives on.
Second, as I searched the Scriptures for help that week, Romans 8:28 bubbled up to the surface through my spiritual funk:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
The Apostle Paul had written directly to me, it seemed. The Lord had spoken to my soul. After many days of running away like Jonah, I surrendered my will to Christ. If all things work together for good—including challenges—then I needed to accept this trial from the hand of the Father. If God called me with divine purpose, and I felt he had, then I needed to trust his goodness and not assume the worst about my future. At that time, I was learning how to trust in the name of the Lord, my God. I was learning how to read the Word and live by it.
My multiverse began with Romans 8:28 and for the next decade was guided by it.
2. “Serve the Lord with gladness”
Early in my ministry as a worship pastor, I knew it would be beneficial to find a life verse; one that connected with who I was as a person and as a musician. God answered prayer by leading me to my second multiverse, found in the psalms:
Serve the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. (Psalm 100:2)
The Hebrew word for “serve” (aved) can also be rendered “worship.” Thus the NIV records this verse as “worship the Lord with gladness.” The word translated “gladness” (simha) carries the idea of joy, even Godly joy. Therefore, this Hebraic stanza includes the repetition of joy, “worship the Lord with joy, come before him with joy-filled singing.”
This verse became a significant part of my Christian faith for two reasons. First, Psalm 100:2 ratified my personality. I love to laugh. I enjoy the adventure of life and usually see things as “glass half full.” I am known as a joyful worship leader who exudes this attitude visually. Serving and living in a state of gladness and joy has been built into my DNA. Second, Psalm 100:2 encompassed my calling to ministry. Week after week, I encourage and lead others to serve the Lord and to come before their Sovereign with singing. What a thrill!
3. “A sacrifice of praise”
The first two texts in my multiverse had led me through the past nearly thirty years. It was time for a new life verse. Having sensed this need for some time, I kept my heart open for where the Lord would lead. During a recent Sunday service, the message of Hebrews 13:15-16 leapt off the page and into my imagination:
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. (Hebrews 13:15-16)
Clarity came in an instant, and with it, an inspiring reminder of my two-fold life calling. First, I am called to be a worshipper—someone who literally gives lip service (in the best possible way) to Christ. This is my sacrifice of praise, daily and weekly, in private and on stage. As a worshipper, I present verbal and vocal sacrifices to the Lord, who is altogether worthy of them. And, as Kierkegaard once rightly indicated, I prompt others to do the same before the audience of One.
Second, I am called to be a server—someone who performs good works (in the best possible way) to others. Fulfilling Christ’s command “love your neighbour as yourself” (Matt 22:39) is a sacrifice pleasing to God. Just like in the two greatest commandments summarized by Jesus in Matthew 22, the words from Hebrews forever partner together loving God with loving others.
It seems that my multiverse is expanding. It began decades ago in Romans, with a focus on my own faith. The next iteration, from the psalms, focused on my ministry. Finally, my third multiverse, from Hebrews, focuses on my life. I must be a worshipper and a server.
What is your multiverse?
