Irvin Wasswa- Tylertown Campus Pastor LHBC
2 Samuel 6:12-15
12 And it was told King David, “The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.” So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing. 13 And when those who bore the ark of the Lord had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal. 14 And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn.
For some, whenever they hear the term celebrate their mind may go to a birthday party or another party commemorating a major accomplishment. For others, their mind may go to some famous songs speaking about celebration such as Madonna’s Holiday or Kool in the Gang’s Celebration. Celebrating birthdays, holidays, and good times are great however we have something greater we can celebrate as a child of God: God is with Us. He is with us!
We see the Israelites led by King David having a celebration in 2 Samuel 6. The Ark of the Covenant which represented God’s power, provision, and presence with the people was returning to Jerusalem. This was a HUGE deal because as we see in 1 Samuel 4 the Ark was a visible sign of God’s presence with His people. So the only accurate way was to respond in celebration. It talks about how they sacrificed, they sang songs, they rejoiced, and even King David in worship danced before the Lord! Listen, the Israelites were fired up at the fact that God was with them and they expressed their excitement in celebration.
Oh my friend, I have some good news for you today: Though Coronavirus is wreaking havoc in our world, Christ is still in control and is with you. Though our world is filled with grim news, the good news is that God is on His throne and is with you! The bible says that in Christ, we have the Holy Spirit, co-equal and co-eternal with God the Father and God the Son. The bible tells us in John 14:17-19 that the Holy Spirit of God is with us forever. Our response ought to be to celebrate.
Here is the reality: The reminder that the God of the universe is with us ought to stir our love and affections for Him more deeply, leading us to worship and celebrate Him. See, King David and the Israelites were not just throwing a big party just to throw one, but rather because of their love for God and the recognition of His presence in their lives, they responded in worship. There were people shouting from the rooftops, you had King David dancing with all his might. None of them cared about what they looked like, all they cared about was magnifying their Lord.
I honestly believe many reasons why churches do not look like what we see in 2 Samuel 6 during worship is because either they have misplaced affections, or they care too much about what their neighbor thinks of them in worship. For you maybe it has been awhile since you have truly worshipped because you’ve placed your affections solely on things under the sun instead of on the One who made the sun. Remember who the Lord is, how He is with you and choose to place your affections towards Him. Maybe you are that person who is afraid to engage in worship because of what others may think in the worship service. Let me be honest with you today: Choose to celebrate! Who cares if you can’t sing? The bible tells us in Psalm 100 to make a joyful noise to the Lord. It may not be joyful to others but if your heart is right it’s joyful to the Lord. Who cares what that person is thinking if you raise your hands? Listen it’s alright to break loose in worship because Jesus rose from the dead defeating death, hell and the grave and He is with us forever!
God’s promise that He is with us enables us to celebrate Him in worship every day! So let us be a people of praise like the people of Israel in this passage, setting our eyes on the One who is worthy of all praise, honor and glory!
Isaiah 25:1
O Lord, you are my God;
I will exalt you; I will praise your name,
for you have done wonderful things
plans formed of old, faithful and sure.
PRAYER FOR TODAY: Dear Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that because of who You are and what You have done for me that I have a reason to sing! Help me to be a person of praise in this season of life, looking to you and choosing to remember that You are with me every single day. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
MEMORY VERSE OF THE WEEK:
John 3:30
He must increase, but I must decrease.