1 Chronicles 15:25-29 So David and the elders of Israel and the commanders of units of a thousand went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-Edom, with rejoicing. Because God had helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, seven bulls and seven rams were sacrificed. Now David was clothed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, and as were the musicians, and Kenaniah, who was in charge of the singing of the choirs. David also wore a linen ephod. So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouts, with the sounding of rams’ horns and trumpets, and of cymbals, and the playing of lyres and harps. As the ark of the covenant of the LORD was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David dancing and celebrating, she despised him in her heart.
In this remarkable scene of worship and celebration in the moving of the ark to Jerusalem, the sacred texts reveal to us that Michal despised David’s zeal and enthusiasm in her heart. She accused him of being an exhibitionist of some sort. Is there a lesson here for us? I believe so. God is looking for worshippers – those who will worship Him in Spirit and in truth (John 4:23,24).
Now we know that worship is more than singing. Worship springs from a life that does everything for the glory of The Lord. However, when it comes to expressions of congregational worship, God’s people have different preferences of expression. Some are more liturgical. Others prefer singing hymns without any musical instruments. Others are a bit more demonstrative, with dancing. Every single one of these preferences can be found in Scripture.
Is there only one way to express worship to God? Yes. With a right heart. If your heart is not right, it matters not how quiet or loud your voice is; it is not worship. “Worship Police” abound today in the body of Christ. Be careful, beloved. Unless you can see and know what is in another person’s heart, you may be guilty of the sin of Michal.
Do you realize that the vast majority of evangelical churches today would consider the worship described in our texts as being carnal, fleshly and unacceptable? I am not in any way, shape, or form suggesting that every child of God or congregation change their pattern of worship. What I am pointing out is this. I have learned over the years that “Worship Police” tend to lack the sheer joy of those whom they deem “out of order” or “exhibitionists.” “Worship Police” are like Michal, legalistic and judgmental because they are barren and dead inside.
