READ 2 SAMUEL 6
GO DEEPER
2 Samuel 6 recounts the narrative of David's reaction to the manifestation of the Lord through the Ark of the Covenant. As the Ark is returned to Jerusalem, David expresses unreserved, unabashed, and uninhibited adoration and reverence towards God by dancing in a partially unclothed manner before it.
David's reaction to the presence of the Lord is compared here to that of his wife, Michal, who responds with feelings of superiority, disdain, and detachment. In contrast, David expresses joy, faith, and humility. Michal was more preoccupied with how others viewed David than with God's perspective. She was repulsed and angered when David did not conform to social norms, traditions, and her expectations of proper worship. Both within and outside the church, individuals who dance or show joyful devotion to God may be perceived as uncultured or immature. Following a faith-based lifestyle goes against societal norms and can appear unconventional. Regardless of our tendency to judge, like Michal, we should be cautious not to succumb to the desire for external approval that motivated her response.
Instead, let us aspire to imitate David's reaction as he declares in verses 21-22. ". . . It was before the LORD, which chose me before thy father, and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel: therefore will I play before the LORD. And I will yet be more vile [undignified] than thus, and will be base [humble] in mine own sight: . . " When we serve in the presence of the Lord, we do not need to worry about pleasing others (see Colossians 3:23-4). When we are filled with the presence of God and remember His goodness, our most instinctive reactions are joy and humility.
As we navigate through our daily routines, let this section serve as a gentle reminder for us to wholeheartedly embrace the presence of the Lord with unreserved joy and reverence, disregarding any concerns about others' opinions.
QUESTIONS
1. Which aspects of your life are hindered by fear preventing you from obeying?
2. In which parts of your life do you prioritize others' opinions over God's? How can you relinquish control of those aspects to God?
3. How can you experience more freedom in serving God through worship, music, or any other avenue in your daily routine?