Focus Chapters:
- 2 Samuel 6:12
- 1 Chronicles 15:1-28
- 2 Samuel 6:13-16
- 1 Chronicles 15:29
- 2 Samuel 6:17-19
- 1 Chronicles 16
- 2 Samuel 6:19-23
Standout Verse(s):
2 Samuel 6:20-22 NLT
When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!”
David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!”
Observation (s):
- Michal focused on how everyone would perceive David’s behaviour.
When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!”.
- David focused on the reason why God was deserving of his dance.
David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord.
- David was willing to look foolish before men and himself, if his actions brought glory to God. He also recognized that oftentimes persons who operate outside the norms, set the trend for others and are considered leaders.
Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!”
Application:
As Christians, sometimes we get caught up in restraining ourselves and actions to what the world considers normal and acceptable. Our fear of being the odd-one-out prevents us from living wholly for God by stepping outside the accepted norms of the physical realm and embracing those of the spiritual realm. For example: growing up, even when in church, I would think twice about praying out loud, giving a shout or dancing for Christ due to my fear of being teased by my peers. As a teen and the only Christian in my household, I used to fear being ridiculed by my siblings. I prayed for them but never out loud. I covered the house and anointed my family, but only when they slept. My fear of standing out probably blocked quite a few blessings and opportunities to be used by God.
Michal and David’s focuses were total opposites! Michal focused on what people would think and how they would perceive David’s, the king, behavior. David, on the other hand, focused on the reason for his behaviour. He was simply excited in his thankfulness towards God. He was willing to look foolish before men, if his actions brought glory to God. God was deserving of his dance, even if it made him look foolish. And you know what, oftentimes, when we are the leaders in “seemingly foolishness”, others begin to look up to us and appreciate our behaviour and before we know it, they too join in.
Be a proud leader for Christ. Don’t focus on public perception. Focus on the reason for your dance. Cast aside your fear of standing out. Dance, uninhibited, for Christ.
