(NIV] 16 As the ark of the LORD was entering the Cityof David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from awindow. And when she saw King David leaping anddancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart. - P116
18 After he had finished sacrificing the burnt offeringsand fellowship offerings, he blessed the people in thename of the LORD Almighty. - P116
21 David said to Michal, "It was before the LORD, whochose me rather than your father or anyone from hishouse when he appointed me ruler over the LORD‘speople Israel-I will celebrate before the LORD. - P117
23 And Michal daughter of Saul had no children to theday of her death. - P117
Michal sees David entering the city leaping and dancing, and she despiseshim. The ark of the Lord is placed in a tent with much celebration. - P117
David returns home and Michal
expresses her disapproval of his behavior. David tellsher that he will become even more undignified and humiliated to celebratebefore the Lord. Michal becomes barren. - P117
The presence of the Lord-represented by the ark of the covenant-entering the City of David is worth leaping and dancing for. - P118
It is worthall the gratitude shown in the offerings of David. And the goodness ofGod‘s presence is a blessing to His people. - P118
David‘s wife Michal, howev-er, despises the celebration. She represents her father Saul‘s failed reignand the important truth that David did not need to overcome Saul togain authority to rule, but only the presence of God. - P118
David‘s publicdance highlights his heart of worship, and more importantly celebratesGod as the One who deserves such extravagant worship. - P118
Let us worshipthe Lord with all we have to give, not just during corporate worship,
but in private as well. - P118
Michal mocks David for acting in a way that she finds embarrassing.
While it is wise to be mindful of what expressions of worship are con-sidered appropriate in different cultures and situations, the fact is thatour celebration of God‘s grace will sometimes attract ridicule and hate.
- P118
But we must also check our own hearts when we worship. If you behaveformally during worship, is it out of reverence for God or a desire toappear respectable before people? - P118
If you prefer a more casual form ofworship, is it because it encourages authenticity before God or becauseyou want to conform with cultural norms? - P118
Whatever expression ofworship we give to God, what is most important is that we do it beforethe Lord and not before people. - P110
Almighty God, Jesus‘ grace allows me to pray to You as my Father in heaven.
- P119
You promise to never leave or forsake me because of Christ. - P119
Foster in my hearta childlike faith, running to You, dancing before You, and only caring aboutYour opinion. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P119
|