Dance with Might!

This past weekend, I attended my granddaughter’s dance recital. It seemed as if hundreds of children participated and thousands of families and loved ones packed themselves into the auditorium for the event. Hours of practice and hard work prepared these dedicated students to dance with might.

King David and the Ark of the LORD

For many years, the sacred Ark of the LORD (containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments) resided in a tent as the Israelites wandered forty years in the wilderness. After King David captured Jerusalem and defeated the Philistines (2 Samuel 5), he yearned to bring the Ark to the City of David (Jerusalem).

However, David’s plan sidetracked as Uzzah attempted to steady the Ark when the oxen pulling the cart stumbled. For his irreverent act in touching the Ark, God struck down Uzzah, killing him (2 Samuel 6).

Uzzah’s death angered and terrified David. Afraid to continue on the journey toward Jerusalem, the Ark instead was taken to the house of Obed-Edom. During the three months the Ark resided there, the house of Obed-Edom received blessings.

Dance with Might

Encouraged by these blessings, David planned another attempt.

Now King David was told, “The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God.” So David went to bring the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing. When those who carried the ark of the LORD had taken six steps, he sacrificed a bull and a fattened calf. Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the LORD with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the LORD with shouts and sounds of trumpets. (2 Samuel 6:12-15)

The celebration continued–David sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings before the LORD. He provided bread and cakes for each person in the crowd. After receiving blessings from David, the Israelites returned to their homes.

But . . . after the celebration

As in many situations, not everyone was pleased by David’s actions. Michal, daughter of Saul, criticized his celebratory behavior (dancing) and his garb (dressed only in an ephod). David reminded her (and us) that celebrations before the LORD praise God’s goodness, power, and majesty.

David said to Michael, “It was before the LORD, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the LORD’s people Israel–I will celebrate before the LORD.” (2 Samuel 6:21)

Have you noticed that people are often quick to criticize the decisions and actions of others? Does criticism sometimes cause you to pull back from your work for God?

Dance with praise and encouragement

Our dancers ranged in age from three to eighteen years. They weren’t perfect, but their hard work, enthusiasm, and joy shone through in their performance. Teachers, parents, loved ones, and friends celebrated their efforts with applause, cheers, and praise.

Can we dance in praise and celebration of our Lord? Perhaps we aren’t candidates for Broadway or Dancing with the Stars, but we can sing and praise God. We can support others in their work for our Lord. And especially, we can encourage our little ones, teens, and young adults on their journey with Jesus.