II Samuel 6-8
The first thing David does as king is attempt to return the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem, but there are some missteps on the way.
From its construction, God had given very specific instructions concerning the handling of the ark. It’s important for us to realize that the ark represented the very presence of the Lord. It was to be honored and carried correctly.
So when David wants to bring it up to its proper place, the people are too casual in its handling. It is transported on a “new cart,” instead of on poles, and as they go, the ark is nearly upset from the cart. Ussah reaches out to secure it, and he dies suddenly. God’s presence can’t be maneuvered by man.
Furious with the death of his friend, David is afraid to bring the ark the rest of the way, so he leaves it with Obed-edom, who gets great blessing from its presence.
After Obed-edom’s blessing, David decides to bring the ark the rest of the way, so the journey continues – this time with greater care.
David has such a tender heart toward the things of God. As he is transporting the ark, he removes his kingly robe and adorns a linen ephod so that he can “dance with all of his might”(6:14) before the ark of God. He is a true worshipper, and before the presence of God, he cares not what others think. He will worship his God with all of his might.
Michal, on the other hand, hates to see David behaving in such an undignified manner. She rebukes David for his display, and gets a rebuke in return. David reminds her that he was nothing when God called him to be king, and that he will humble himself before his Creator and worship him in fullness forever.
Michal becomes barren after this.
A life that is full of pride, always trying to look good in the eyes of men, will be a barren life. God rewards the humble, but He resists the proud. The proud have the reward of looking acceptable to others, but they can’t count on the blessing or relationship with God as do those who humbly look to Him and honor Him as their source of accomplishment.
I want to keep a humble attitude, don’t you?It really doesn’t matter what men thin; it’s what God thinks that counts. And life with Him is truly worth looking a little foolish from time to time.
Luke 15:1-10
What makes heaven rejoice? A lost person who repents and turns to God.
In our society, with people jockeying for position, it’s hard to grasp the heavenly attitude toward people. Sometimes on earth it seems that some people are more important than others. The rich, the educated, the beautiful, the talented, the athletic…you name it. These are often raised up higher in the eyes of men than ordinary people.
Not so with our Father. The smallest and the least are just as important as the high and mighty. In fact, the Word says we are not to prefer the rich or the poor. Everyone is equal in our Father’s eyes.
So when one person – whether they live in a mansion or are homeless – receives Jesus, the angels rejoice. They are in celebration over one person who was lost and now is found.
I pray that my Father will give me His heart toward people. I never want to overlook or discount anyone I encounter. Each one and everyone is significant and needs to be honored as such. The garb of the homeless – or the wealthy – can sometimes hide their value and or their need for a Savior.
Lord, give me Your heart. Let me see with Your eyes, and hear with Your ears. Let me be sensitive to others always.
