Fun - 2 Samuel 6

Daily Discipler pp 383

2 Samuel 6

(find it at www.biblegateway.com)

Today's DD reading says its about fun, but its actually about a lot more than that, it is about who's approval are we seeking. The passage from 2 Samuel 6 tells two stories. The first is of the Ark of the covenant being brought to Jerusalem, and the fatal stumble of Uzzah, who tried to steady the Ark as the oxen tripped. He died for his efforts. This reminds me that God is powerful and mighty, and the "I didn't mean it" or "I didn't Know" excuses don't really cut it with God. But I am even more interested in David's response. He was grumpy with God, he, like us, probably didn't think God was very fair to strike down someone for trying to help. But David's response is again much like ours. He trys to get back at God. I'll show you, it seems was his attitude. He leaves the Ark of the Covenant in the house of Obed Edom.

But guess what, it doesn't show God anything, all it shows is his human frailty, because instead of Jerusalem receiving the blessing of God's physical presence, Obed Edom does. For 3 whole months.

David obviously repents of his pride and arrogance, and returns to a humble position before God. So humble in fact, that we read the second story - the return of the ark to Jerusalem, and David's humiliating dance. The passage says that David danced with all his might. Some would say like a lunatic (certainly his wife Micah thought so) She was humiliated by her husbands actions and told him so.

Here was the point for me today - who are we trying to please. God or Men (women / wives / children / workmates / teachers .... ) When david was arrogant before the Lord, the blessing flowed on to someone else. When david was humble, really humble, a king dancing embarrassingly so, humble, the blessings returned. It was Micah that God judged - she was left barren for her pride.

David experienced real joy when he wasn't trying to live for the approval of others, but when he realised his position before God, and sought to rejoice in Him. Christians can have fun, usually we stifle our fun, when we try to put on appearances for others. We are truly liberated when we realise it is God we need to please, not men.

Prov 29:6 - A righteous man can sing and be glad

thought for the day: "When was the last time you really enjoyed life?"