Are you ready for the 2nd Samuel Chapter 6 nugget that is just right for us in 2008? In the beginning of Chapter 6 not only is David disobedient but as king he is leading his people in disobedience and, of course, they are following. David is bringing the Ark of the Covenant home but not according to God’s previous and still standing instructions and great tragedy is the result. But David repents, God forgives and in verse 14 David has abandoned himself in worship of the LORD.
14 Then David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod.
15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet.
Let me share with you what Beth (Moore) wrote: We see David almost oblivious to everyone around him, totally liberated in the spirit, dancing through the streets of Jerusalem “with all his might” (v.14)! Oh, I love this scene! Centuries later, a group of disciples were stunned when Mary of Bethany poured the fragrance of abandoned worship on Christ’s feet (John 12:1-8). Completely abandoned worship is often misunderstood. We don’t see David practice outward worship often. Usually his worship took the form of songs, words, prayers, but this was a very special moment! One worth celebrating with complete abandon!
Let me tell you my dear friends I want this liberated, abandoned worship. At least once in my life I want to experience what David experienced here in chapter 6 and I hope you do too.
But there is more for us to see before we close for today. Beth said: Completely abandoned worship is often misunderstood. And so it was for David.
16 Now as the ark of the LORD came into the City of David, Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked through a window and saw King David leaping and whirling before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.
Please recall that Michal is David’s wife, even the FIRST one he married and as she sees his abandoned worship she despises him. I think despise would translate to hate. She HATED David. Her heart, the seat of her emotions, was filled with hate for David. I tend to believe that hate included David’s God too.
Now lets pick up at verse 20 and see what happens when David gets home. The first sentence of verse 20 tells us he is going home in a GREAT mood. He is ready to lavish his household with blessings. Talk about a slap in the face – read what happened next.
20 Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, “How glorious was the king of Israel today, uncovering himself today in the eyes of the maids of his servants, as one of the base fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!”
21 So David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me instead of your father and all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel. Therefore I will play music before the LORD. 22 And I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight. But as for the maidservants of whom you have spoken, by them I will be held in honor.”
23 Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.
Can you play that scene on the screen of your mind? Let me give you more of what Beth wrote: David went home to “bless his household,” but he was met with ridicule and condemnation. He did not allow Michal to quench his spirit. He responded to her with the words, “It was before the Lord.” Can you almost hear him say, “How dare you! My worship was not for you, it was for the Lord!” Her scolding must have stung his heart. You can sense his reaction from the text, yet he resolved, “I will celebrate before the Lord.” He seemed to be saying, “Whether or not my family does, whether or not my friends do, whether or not this nation does, I will celebrate!”
And that’s the nugget in 2nd Samuel 6 (there are others too). Can we like David say whether my spouse or my children worship Jesus, whether my friends worship Jesus, whether folks approve or disapprove; whatever other Americans do or do not do, even if November 4 brings on a desecration of the White House; still I will celebrate JESUS?!!
Abba, I pray as our IDOKs read this they too will sense what good news this is; that we can celebrate You, we can worship You and this Nation in which we live cannot hinder us. We can choose to refuse to be hindered in giving You the worship You deserve. No people, no nation, no family member, no friend, no politician, no judge, no one can stop us from worshipping You – no one but we ourselves – please help us to abandoned ourselves in worship of You and You alone. Thank You for this Scripture. Thank You Holy Spirit for witnessing it to our spirits. This is good news and we receive it as good news. And now we look to our list and we remember them to You. How awesome it is that because of Jesus we can come before You and intercede for the help each of these need. Thank You for hearing our prayers and for answering. Thank You for the protection and grace You have given over and over to our IDOK Troops; thank You that Justin is safely home and we pray for the rest to come home safely too. Thank You for our IDOKs; thank You for this ministry; help me be faithful; help them be faithful in their respective places; revive Your Church; save and forgive America; bless Israel for Jesus sake. Amen and amen. Economic conditions, especially the effects it has upon the minds and hearts of people. Unspoken Requests – situations so close you can only speak to Father about. Joan. Jodi H. David T’s Family. Kimberly. Shay and Emma’s Kids (orphanage in Zambia) Ministry. Susan D. Jason A and his mother. Melinda H. Trisha. Patti’s Family. George. Brennan and his family. Joshua. Branson. The O’Brien family. Brooklyn. Families and communities hit by Gustav and Ike. Jacqueline and her boys, River and Jackson. Kim and her Fiancee. Jonathan. Mabel’s Aunt Lou. Heather and Brandon. Bernie. Darlene and Torkel. Edie G. Rachel. W C and family. Maggie and Family. Dylan. Joseph Toomey and Family. DeLois. Terri. Kim T. Kevin and the children. Katelyn (B). Janie B. Vickie. J Lloyd and family. Janet and Steve. Cathy. Caleb and family. Bay and family. Jennifer B. John and Carolyn and Family. Larry and Claudia and family. Taylor & family. David & Allison. Jeanette and Earl and family. Callie. Madie. Ruth. Cynthia. Martha F and Bob. Allyson and Glyn and family. Brittney and Kersten and family. Sheila and Andy. Carrie and Rachel and Jacob and family. Billy and Gina and boys. Lance and family. Grace and family. Tressa. Brad, Lindsay, Karah and Haley. Chuck. Windy and Jared and families. Helen and Dan and family. Jen and Larry and family. Chad and Brittany and family. Mollie and family. Julia. Bobbie. Tj. Zack. Phillip. Jessica. Larry. Kayla. Trey. Jacob. Ashely. Lance. Candance and Family. Laura and family. John and Sandy. Bill and Judy. Andrew and Daughters. Lee. Sharron and family, Linda and family, Bev and Family, Mollie B. Public and Private School Teachers.
Every IDOK and every IDOK son and daughter and grandchild.
Every IDOK Pastor and Family. Every IDOK church.
IDOKs Military Families.
IDOKs Troops (foreign soil) – Ethan. Christopher. Raul. Robert. Billy. Josh. Buddy. Mark. Josh W. James. Bryan. Nick. Brant W. Christopher R. Joshua M. Brent. Drew. Justin G. Kyle N. Michael K. Sgt. Bozicevich. Bay N. T. Palin.
IDOK Troops leaving shortly for foreign soil: Richard M. Brandon B.
Serving Stateside: Jonathan. Jasmine B. Tommy T. Shaun. Bay. Danny. Lee. George.Travis N. Hawk. Justin G.
Injured and brought State side: Anthony.
Military at home adjusting – Tim. Mack. The 226. Troy. Brad. Tommy. Desi. Edward J. Lyndon A. Jason G. Captain Tran
Still praying but no recent update: Hector. Corpl. Light. Bradley T. Albert R III.
The Peace of Israel.
Revival in America.
November’s Election.
Jerry and I will be traveling on Friday and Sunday and we would appreciate your prayers for traveling safety. It seems over the last several trips we have made each time we have had a ‘close call’ – Father has been faithful to spare us any injury, either to our persons or to the vehicle. Thank you in advance for lifting us up.
As I post this it is 81°F and Blowing Widespread Dust Haze in Baghdad, IQ & the time there is 4:56 AM AST- on October 24, 2008
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