Daily Devotional for Friday, December 8

The Mad Wife

“And as the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal Saul’s daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart,” 2 Samuel 6:16.

The ark of the covenant was finally coming to the city of David! After the mistakes that Israel had made in trying to move the ark initially, which cost Uzzah his life (1 Chronicles 13:10), King David had left the ark at the house of Obed-edom for three months (2 Samuel 6:11). Once David heard that God had blessed Obed-edom’s household, he knew it was time for the ark to take its rightful place in the Tabernacle David had built for it in Jerusalem. What a momentous occasion and reason to rejoice!

Unfortunately, David’s wife Michal did not think he should be celebrating with the commoners. After all, he was the king! She criticized his dancing, outfit and his attitude. How dare he be dressed that way, playing and dancing! She could not believe he was barely dressed in front of the handmaids of his servants (verse 20)! David quickly reminded her that God had chosen him as king over her dad, and his responsibility was to honor God (verse 21).

There are a couple of thoughts to consider in this passage. First, no one is above praising God. We should all worship God. He alone is worthy of our praise. Revelation 4:11 states, “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Michal foolishly thought King David should not publicly worship God in front of his people.

Second, are we quick to judge how someone worships? We may not like raising hands, saying “Amen,” clapping or shouting. Sometimes, like Michal, we despise the method people use to praise God. Instead of criticizing others, focus on how you worship.

JUST A THOUGHT: Is God the focus of your worship?

Chris Floyd