David said to Michal, “It was before the LORD, who chose me in place of your father and all his household, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the LORD, that I have danced before the LORD…” 2 Samuel 6: 21, NRSV.
Precious LORD, as we come before You in the study of Your Word, please teach us tolerance toward each other. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
This incident between David, and his wife Michal, opens the door to a rather interesting topic for discussion: What is the right manner of worship? How should we worship God? Of course this question will undoubtedly be answered according to the worshipper’s preference. Some people enjoy being very sedate in their worship to God; calm, and quiet. Others are very vocal, shouting praises, even jumping to their feet, clapping their hands. Others become very emotional, weepy. If you were to ask me which of these is the best way to worship God, I could give an opinion, but I would not have the answer to the question. You see, I would have to be God, to be able to say which of these methods of worship He considers acceptable.
If you asked me which manner of worship I believe is correct, my answer would be: all three. My answer would be based upon all the circumstances of my life (sickness, suffering, frustration, healing, deliverance, miracles, spiritual growth) that have transformed my way of worshipping. Perhaps at different periods of my life, my answer would have been one or another. But one of the lessons that life has taught me, is that our worship is a reflection of our walk with God. We are never the same after we have seen the hand of God at work in our lives! Life does not mean the same to the person who has recovered from a terminal illness as it does to the person who has enjoyed good health all his or her life. One knows he or she is living on borrowed time, while time is not a real concern for the other person. Of course there are always exceptions.
Let us take a look at David’s experience. In his youth, he had been a shepherd boy with all the dangers that this involves (1 Samuel 17: 34-36). God chose him as king in preference to Saul; and had him anointed even before the end of Saul’s reign (16: 11-13). As a young man he faced a giant and killed him with his slingshot, and “five smooth stones” (40, 48-50). David is rescued time and again from death, at the hands of Saul (18: 10, 11; 19: 11-17; 23: 13, 14). He is anointed king of Judah (2 Samuel 2: 4). He later becomes king of all Israel (5: 1-5). God delivered the Philistines into his hands (22-25). These are some of the dangers David had faced, and some of the victories the LORD had granted him. These things meant something to him! God had blessed him in so many ways, and he was very grateful! On this particular occasion, they had finally been able to bring back the ark to Jerusalem, after approximately twenty years (1 Samuel 7: 2)! For David this was a grandiose occasion! He wanted to celebrate it in full. He was happy to be instrumental in returning the ark of God’s Presence to its rightful place. This was not an ordinary accomplishment; he was overcome with joy! So he danced before the LORD.
I have decided to let people’s worship style, remain between them and God. I do not know what it means to them, or how God sees it. Since worship is offered to God, and not to man; let God decide whether or not, it is worthy of His acceptance! When we get to heaven we will all be worshipping Him in spirit and in truth. In my opinion, that is what really matters!