There is a phenomena, perhaps a movement, within the Church today that promotes the idea of "soaking" in the atmosphere created by continuously playing certain worship recordings. By simply playing a collection of songs made for this purpose, believers only need to close their eyes and relax in the atmosphere which is so effectively created by today's artists.
A case can be made for soaking - the human condition could be described as substantially "broken" and soaking in hot baths has been used for centuries as a healing therapy. However, I have noticed an alarming phenomenon - it appears to me that those who do this on a regular basis seem to lose their ability to enter into the anointed presence of God in worship unaided! And in public services, by letting the "professionals" do it, their voices do not contribute to establishing the anointing, thereby diminishing the overall effect.
Meditating on this phenomenon I recalled a summer church outing years ago where the hosts had a hot tub. At one point I joined some others in the rather warm water and soon lost track of time because of the pleasant fellowship. Finally, I realized I had been "soaking" for perhaps twenty minutes and should at least give my place to someone else. I was shocked to find my muscles had relaxed so much that they became "rubbery" and I had to crawl on my hands and knees to the nearby steps to sit and cool down!
This is a cautionary tale. The scriptures say we are all part of a royal priesthood, a holy priesthood and kings and priests unto our God. It was only when the people refused to go with Moses to meet with God on His holy mountain that He called out the tribe of Levi as a separate priesthood. Because of the finished work of the Lamb of God, our precious Jesus Christ, all now have direct access to God. There is to be no separate priesthood, no separate clergy. And, when we gather together, we all are expected to "give the calves of our lips" in unified worship. Christianity is not a spectator sport!
When King David first attempted to to bring back the Ark Of the Covenant to Jerusalem he put it on an ox cart. He tried to carry it the easy way. God was NOT pleased! A man died. Today the Church still tries to bring the anointing the easy way. Let the professionals do it, in effect, re-creates that old clergy, laity - split which is not pleasing to the Father. After examining the scriptures David found that the Ark was to be carried on the shoulders of the Levites. There is a "weight" to God's presence - and we priests of God must take personal responsibility for bringing it forth. Withholding your voice would be the equivalent to letting one of the staves drag in the dirt!
