King David had a lot in common with Moses. Both were responsible for leading the Israelites, both had an intimate relationship with God, and both desperately wanted to encounter God's glory. After Uzzah's death, David left the ark at Obed-Edom's home. He'd heard all the drama and excitement surrounding the incident and still, Obed-Edom willingly housed the Ark. The historian Josephus confirms that he and his entire household experienced immense blessings while the ark resided with them. "Obed" means worship. Obed-Edoms response to the Ark was one of simple worship. He obeyed and did not let unfounded fear and insecurity issues and the paranoia of the community keep him from allowing God's glory to visit his home. How many of us won't open the door to blessing in our lives due to fear and anxiety?
After hearing about the positive results of the Ark with Obed-Edom, David was determined to try again. David longed for the Ark of the Covenant, which was the tangible manifestation of God's glory, to cohabit with him in the City of David. When the day finally came that the priest carried the Ark (following the specific directions of using poles on their shoulders in order to prevent a death like Uzzah's) David ushered the glory/Ark into his community by dancing in front of it with all his might - he even lost some clothing in the process. Two things must surround our encountering the glory of God. We must position ourselves in reverence and obedience to God, and we cannot experience His glory without offering Him praise.
Often we desire for God's power to show up in our lives, but we are unwilling to respond to Him with our deepest praise. God's glory requires praise from us. God does not reveal Himself to unwilling worshipers. Once the Ark is in place, King David then gives away his blessing and loaves of bread to the people before ending the celebration and sending everyone on their way. God's glory inspires blessings and generosity. When we place God as the center of our lives in the preeminent position only He deserves, then we live looking at all we have because of Him which frees us to see everyone else's need instead of fixating on our own. However, when we begin to look at our lack and when we fear man's opinions, the result is empty and hallow. Michal, David's wife, embarrassed by David's dancing, berates him and refuses to share in his jubilee. He quickly lets her know that God was his focus and concern - not her, and that he could not dance enough to celebrate God's glory.
I too am desperate to see God's glory inhabit my community - my life - my home. Can I get over my own fear issues? Can I make room in my life and can I get over what others think enough to give God the praise he deserves? Can I dance like David danced? Can you?
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