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The Royal Dance

April 3, 2012 - 5:00 am

“Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets. As the ark of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart.” — 2 Samuel 6:14 –16

In one of the most potent and joyous accounts in our scriptures, we are offered a description of the bringing of the Holy Ark into the City of David. We can almost hear the music and see the dancing as the verse tells us that Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets.” And yet curiously, the following verse describes how this wonderfully joyful scene somehow upset Michal, King David’s wife:  And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the LORD, she despised him in her heart.”

Apparently, Michal felt that it was inappropriate for a king to let loose in public. She expected a more dignified manner from a man of such stature. Michal felt that King David’s behaviour diminished him in the eyes of the public. In contrast, King David’s only concern was that he gained favour in the eyes of the Lord.

There are many different ways to serve the Almighty. Some people are exuberant during services, singing, clapping, and even dancing. Then there are those who choose to sing along more quietly or even thrive on absolute silence. But there are also those who want to dance and sing, yet somehow just can’t bring themselves to do so for fear of what others might think of them. That mind-set has no place in truly authentic service to God.

Our drive to please other people can take away from our service in other ways. Perhaps we were quiet when we knew we should have spoken up. Or we may have shied away from taking a stand for a good, but unpopular, cause. To fully serve our Creator, we need to live our lives as King David did; “leaping and dancing before the Lord.” That means saying and doing the things that please God even if it makes our family and friends uncomfortable.

Next time you find yourself holding back from saying or doing something you know you should, resolve to be as fearless as King David. Humble yourself in front of men, and you will find that you stand as royalty before God!





     

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