In 2 Samuel 6, David’s wife, Michal, confronts him, accusing him of “undignified” worship. David responds saying, “I will be even more undignified than this.” What is “undignified” worship? My opinion is that David is not suggesting that wild dancing is the only way to worship God when a group of Christians comes together forContinue reading “What does it mean to be “undignified” in worship? – 2 Samuel 6, Bonus Post”
Monthly Archives: September 2024
What cleaning roadkill during Adopt-a-Highway taught me about worship – 2 Samuel 6, Part 5
My church cleans a two mile stretch of our road in our state’s Adopt-A-Highway program. A number of years ago while cleaning, I came across three different roadkill animals on the same day. It was nasty. It was undignified. This week we have been studying David’s wild dancing during a worship procession, about which heContinue reading “What cleaning roadkill during Adopt-a-Highway taught me about worship – 2 Samuel 6, Part 5”
What children can teach us about worship – 2 Samuel 6, Part 4
My own congregation recently held worship in the park. We do this in a local park pavilion twice each year. It is wonderful to worship outdoors. This most recent time, a toddler in our congregation walked up near the front and was dancing to the music. She did so because her grandmother was helping toContinue reading “What children can teach us about worship – 2 Samuel 6, Part 4”
Why David’s wife bitterly confronted him – 2 Samuel 6, Part 3
In the previous post, we learned that in 2nd Samuel chapter six, David is dancing wildly, wearing a thin priestly ephod, as part of the procession bringing the Ark of Covenant into the city of Jerusalem. His wife, Michal, was aghast at what she saw from the palace window, as she watched the Ark paradeContinue reading “Why David’s wife bitterly confronted him – 2 Samuel 6, Part 3”
When tragedy strikes in the middle of David’s celebration – 2 Samuel 6, Part 2
In the USA, Presidential Inauguration Day is much more than the outdoor event at the Capitol, during which the president takes the Oath of Office and gives an Inaugural Address. On that day there are also multiple presidential balls, where the president dances with their spouse. It’s all very formal and dignified. Could you imagineContinue reading “When tragedy strikes in the middle of David’s celebration – 2 Samuel 6, Part 2”
The time the president of my Bible college declared that there would be no raising of hands during worship in the school’s chapel services – 2 Samuel 6, Part 1
One of the controversial issues during my undergrad years in Bible College was how people should worship God, particularly the validity of the practice of raising hands. A few people did it from time to time during the college’s weekday chapel services. A very few people. So I will never forget one particular chapel serviceContinue reading “The time the president of my Bible college declared that there would be no raising of hands during worship in the school’s chapel services – 2 Samuel 6, Part 1”
How a story from the life of King David inspired my church to experiment in worship – 2 Samuel 6, Preview
What comes to mind when you read the word “worship”? Do you think about your church building, and maybe the room many churches refer to as a “sanctuary”? Does your mind picture the furnishings in the room, such as the pews or chairs, the piano or the band, and the projection screen? Do you thinkContinue reading “How a story from the life of King David inspired my church to experiment in worship – 2 Samuel 6, Preview”
When you have been waiting, cry out to God – 2 Samuel 4—5, Part 5
What have you been waiting for? A difficult relationship being healed? A debt paid off? A sickness healed? We can wait, and wait, and it can seem like radio silence from God. That’s what David felt, and I’m so glad he put it into words and someone selected it for inclusion in the psalms. ForContinue reading “When you have been waiting, cry out to God – 2 Samuel 4—5, Part 5”
David’s example of trusting in God, when God’s instructions made little sense – 2 Samuel 4—5, Part 4
During Israel’s civil war, the Philistines were content to let the Israelites fight amongst themselves. But when David becomes king of a unified nation, they take notice. Why? Because about ten years prior, David was their nemesis. He killed the Philistine hero Goliath, and then David just kept beating them. But things changed when SaulContinue reading “David’s example of trusting in God, when God’s instructions made little sense – 2 Samuel 4—5, Part 4”
How can David be a man after God’s own heart and have so many wives? – 2 Samuel 4—5, Part 3
Now that the civil war in Israel is over and David is king of all Israel, will he take up the completion of the conquest of the Promised Land? It was a conquest that laid dormant for centuries. We get an answer in the very next passage, 2 Samuel 5, verses 6 through 12. DavidContinue reading “How can David be a man after God’s own heart and have so many wives? – 2 Samuel 4—5, Part 3”
Engaging Scripture 