1 Chronicles 15-16 Judging Others' Worship

David realized that he’d skipped a step in his usual way of doing business – he hadn’t first asked God what God wanted him to do about the ark.  The people moving the ark to Jerusalem hadn’t taken care to move it in the way God had commanded Moses.  “David was now determined to do God’s work in God’s way …”  my commentary said.  How often do we forget to ask God what His will is?  Remembering the death of Uzzah the last time the ark was moved, they only took six steps (one number shy of completion) and waited.  God was pleased and did not send judgment, so they offered a burnt offering.  As the ark entered Jerusalem, David danced enthusiastically in worship before the Lord.  “David’s dance was personal and sincere, and he did it before the Lord as he celebrated the coming of His presence into the capital city,” my commentary said.  God saw it as worship, but David’s wife did not.  Perhaps she thought it undignified.  She was heartless in her criticism when he finally arrived home.  How terrible that such sincere worship should be incorrectly judged.

David told his wife “that he would do what the Lord prompted him to do.”  Because she was so off-base spiritually, “from that day on, he ignored his marriage duties toward her,” my commentary said.  “This was a blessing from the Lord.  It prevented Saul’s family from continuing in Israel and therefore threatening the throne of David.”

Father, You know my heart and the hearts of all other believers.   Allow us to worship You in Spirit and in truth, sincerely praising Your name as You give us promptings to do.  Let us not be dogged by people like David’s wife, and keep our hearts in tune with Yours. 

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford