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12 June 2020 - Unashamed to Celebrate God’s goodness.

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12 June 2020

Unashamed to Celebrate God’s goodness.

Read 2 Samuel 6:12-23

David’s first attempt to bring the ark to Jerusalem was tragic, because David did not follow God’s clear instructions about how the ark was to carried.

Therefore, David became fearful and left the ark at Obed-Edom’s house. God blessed Obed-Edom and all his household. Three months later David heard about God’s blessing on Obed-Edom and all his household. David decided to try again and bring the ark to Jerusalem. This time he obeyed all of God’s instructions (vs 18-19). God blessed David for his obedience, as well as for his desire to restore the ark to its central place of worship for the people of God.

But not everyone delighted with David. David’s first wife, Michal (the daughter of Saul), saw what David did, dancing before the Lord with all his might wearing linen ephod (vs6:14) and reacted with scorn and contempt; “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today…as any vulgar fellow would!” Michal thought that David’s behavior was vulgar and completely unbecoming of a king.

      1)      How do you respond to criticism?

With biting sarcasm, Michal’s criticism could have ruined that whole day for David. David didn’t let Michal’s sarcastic criticism ruin his day. David responded that worship should be “before the Lord,” performed for His pleasure and for His approval, not for man's.  Some criticisms don’t warrant a response. But some do.

Your vision and calling are important, and speaking the truth is vital. “I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes” (Vs.20-21) David remembered that his position as a king came graciously from God. In Psalms 2 he sings “I wonder what you ever saw in me”.

God hasn’t extended His lovingkindness to us because we deserve it in any way. It is through mercy alone. When you comprehend all that God has done for you in Christ, you will be able to say with David, "Thy lovingkindness is better than life" and humble yourself before the Lord.

      2)      How much time do you spend trying to keep up appearances?

Michal had once loved David for his power. She loved the strong David, the warrior, the one who went out and smote the enemies. But this new humble David—she wasn’t having a bar of it! Proud of her royalty, she rebuked her husband for lowering the dignity of the crown and acting more like a fool than a king. Just like her father King Saul, she wasn’t truly connected to God.

Be reminded of the words of the apostle Paul here, (Gal1:10) For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. In Romans 1:16 Paul declares, “I am not ashamed of the gospel,” Believing and preaching the gospel constantly put Paul in a bad light. But for Paul “it is the power of God unto salvation.’

To live unashamed is to allow the gospel to dominate our lives to the extent that everyone within our sphere of influence can see that we are different.

Recommended Prayer:

Dear Lord, I will step out in faith and not fear to celebrate your greatness, love and faithfulness in my life. I will boldly profess the victory and not let wariness get the better of me. Break every chain, Oh Lord, that hinders my confidence and let the doubt flee. In Jesus Name. Amen

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