The Pilgrim Path---First Chronicles 15: 27 – 29 (2—20—23)

David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, as also were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, and the singers and Chenaniah the leader of the music of the singers. And David wore a linen ephod. So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouting, to the sound of the horn, trumpets, and cymbals, and made loud music on harps and lyres.

And as the ark of the covenant of the LORD came to the city of David, Michal the daughter of Saul looked out of the window and saw King David dancing and celebrating, and she despised him in her heart.

“AND SHE DESPISED HIM…”

The ark of the LORD finally gets to Jerusalem. The majority of the LORD’S people are elated with the worship experience. It is interesting that the Holy Spirit records the exuberance of King David---at this special season of praise. It is also noteworthy that the Spirit records the displeasure of King David’s wife (Michal). She was disgusted by David’s behavior (by the entire episode). This is tragic on multiple levels. Yet, the LORD wanted us to be aware of her spirit of condemnation. This was supposed to be a time of honor and praise for the LORD. Michal was too much a prisoner of Michal--- to appreciate it all. Isn’t that an awful occurrence?

I had a teacher in high school, who was a very active member of the Gideons. He was a retired Marine Corp Pilot. Colonel Williams used to say of some Christians, “They are fanatics. Well---really---That just means--- they LOVE Jesus more than most of us!” That’s hard to forget. When you “think about” Michal in this passage---you cannot help but see, she chose to harden her heart---while others chose to honor the Living God. What a lesson. There is always a great deal going on in worship. It is a most gracious limitation---that we do not know every heart present---AND, that folk do not always see the depth of our devotion (or lack thereof). What does the LORD Jesus Christ “see” within me? Within you?

From Matthew Henry: That times of public reformation are, and should be, times of public rejoicing. Those are unworthy of the ark that are not glad of it. It is not any disparagement to the greatest of men to show themselves zealous in the acts of devotion. Michal despised David; but her despising him did not make him at all despicable; he did not regard it himself, nor did any that were wise and good think the worse of him.

From John Duncan: I have no fear of the results of religious fervor in worship. Aberrations generally correct themselves in time. It is the total lack of fervor that is lamentable.

Grace and peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason