Today's Reading - 2 Samuel 5:11-6:23, 1 Chronicles 13-16
Background
The ark had originally been lost and then, when it was returned, was not brought all the way back. When David tried to bring it back there was a problem. He did not follow the rules set forth in the law and a man named Uzzah died. He tried again, following God's rules carefully, and there was great rejoicing.
Devotional - Michal's Children
2 Samuel 6:23 makes a strong statement, which in context seems to carry a warning of judgment.
And Michal, the daughter of Saul, had no child to the day of her death.
No, the inability to conceive children is not always a judgment from God, but in this case, it was. Here, Michal's inability to have a child was a physical marker of the spiritual barrenness of her soul. When David worshiped God with joy and abandon she showed emptiness in her soul that God determined would manifest in an empty womb.
The Ark of God was returning to Israel and David was overjoyed. As the ark was brought down the streets of the city, David was "leaping and dancing before the Lord." Michal despised him because she thought his actions lacked the dignity that was proper for the King of Israel. She scorned David as he let loose a volley of public praise. He was thinking about the glory of God; she was concerned with the reputation of the king. She did not participate in the praise, but she certainly would criticize those who did. She was barren of soul. She did not know what it was like to lose herself in the praise of God, and she had no desire to find out.
David rebuked her sharply and let it be known that he was going to worship God with all his heart whether she was happy about it or not. He intended to celebrate the Lord passionately and constantly. His heart belonged first to God.
Just after her expression of disdain is this note that she was unable to have children, and in this case it seems that her physical barrenness was an outward expression of the inner barrenness of her soul.
Michal never bore a child, but she has many descendants. Her descendants scorn those who get emotional and expressive when they worship. Yes, there is an unhealthy emotionalism that infects much of worship today and we need to be biblically grounded so as not to fall prey to every wind of doctrine that blows through our churches. But the worship of God is expressive, it is enthusiastic, it involves not only the mind but also the will and the emotions. And we ought never denigrate those who express their joy to God. May the joyous spirit of David, not the barren heart of Michal, characterize our worship, both personal and public.
Father, may I never be a child of Michal - barren of soul and disdaining those who love you. May I know your truth, know your Son, and celebrate his love and grace with all my heart.
Think and Pray
Do you give yourself over fully to the worship of God or are you, like Michal, more concerned about what people might think of you?
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