Dancing with the Family
Photo Credit: Clem Onojeghuo / Unsplash.
Every culture, every race finds expression in Christ
It’s no secret that we dance a lot in All Nations. As a person who grew up a confirmed non-dancer, this has been a major area of growth for me! I can’t say that I have the best dance moves on the floor, but I can say that I enjoy it when I dance with my brothers and sisters in All Nations. If you’ve never danced in a crowd of people who represent all nations, all tongues, all skin colors, all dance styles and one Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, then you are missing out.
Getting along is not easy, and like all families, some days are better than others. However, for the most part, we truly enjoy one another and genuinely miss each other when we are apart. We really believe that every culture and every race TOGETHER begin to reflect the true nature of Jesus’ Kingdom.
About a thousand years ago (I’m getting old!), we found this song that I think captures the joy that happens when all nations get together under the banner of King Jesus. Even today, you might catch me dancing around my house, singing this song and thinking of the joyful global family which I am a part of.
Would you pray and declare this song over the nations of the world, the people in your own city, and the missionaries and church planters of All Nations? I know that there are a lot of calls for justice in the world today. Justice is good. Today, however, let’s call all peoples to a step deeper: To Belong. Belonging doesn’t mean becoming the same as everyone else or losing distinctiveness. In fact, it means stepping into the full flavor of the beauty and diversity of every skin tone, every language, and culture.
Come, sing and dance with me. Belong and be filled with joy.
https://youtu.be/qleTEr83mt8
Lyrics:
To you belong all the nations
To you belong all the peoples
To you belong all the nations
To you belong all the peoples
To you belong all the kingdoms
To you belong all the tribes
Created for your glory
We come to testify
Every culture, every race
Find expression within this place
Every culture, every race
Find expression to give him praise
Every culture, every race
Find expression within this place
Every culture, every race
Find expression to give him praise
To you belong all the nations
To you belong all the peoples
To you belong all the nations
To you belong all the peoples
To you belong all the islands
And the nations that surround
Within this rim of fire,
We’re tearing strongholds down
Every people, every tongue
Crying out to the Holy One
Every people, every tongue
Crying out, “Lord, your kingdom come!”
Every people, every tongue
Crying out to the Holy One
Every people, every tongue
Crying out, “Lord, your kingdom come!”
Kingdom come…your kingdom come!
Kingdom come…your kingdom come!
Every motion, every song
Every rhythm for you alone
Every motion, every song
Every rhythm before your throne
Every motion, every song
Every rhythm to you alone
Every motion, every song
Every rhythm before your throne
Every culture, every race
Find expression within this place
Every culture, every race
Find expression to give you praise
Every culture, every race
Find expression within this place
Every culture, every race
Find expression to give you praise
Every people, every tongue
Crying out to the Holy One
Every people, every tongue
Crying out, “Lord, your kingdom come!”
Every people, every tongue
Crying out to the Holy One
Every people, every tongue
Crying out, “Lord, your kingdom come!”
Kingdom come…your kingdom come!
Kingdom come…your kingdom come!
Kingdom come…your kingdom come!
Here is a performance of a Polynesian dance group using this song!
About the Author:
Dr. Pam Arlund is a member of the All Nations International Leadership Team, providing leadership in the areas of training, research, and security. She began serving in missions more than twenty years ago as a church planter and Bible translator among an unreached people group of Central Asia. She currently lives in Kansas City with her mom, a cat, and a really great house mate.
For more information about All Nations International, link here:
www.allnations.international
