Dancing with David

Last Sunday, the children in our church sang a processional “Hosanna in the Highest” and “King of Kings” waving palm branches. After their special time with the pastor, they returned to their seats. My 5 year old daughter decided to skip all the way dow the isle to where we were. It made my heart smile to see her skipping about in the house of The LORD. In thinking for this Easter blog, I thought about how inappropriate it would be for any adult to skip about for joy in the sanctuary of our church. It just wouldn’t be proper respect in worship. But would it be all that disrespectful?

David was bringing the Ark of God back into the city. The Ark was the very literal “Presence of God.” On it’s way, the Ark bobbled. Uzzah, placed his hand on the Ark to steady it, and was struck dead by the LORD for disrespect. Because of this, David became fearful of bringing the Ark into the city. He later regained confidence and continued the procession. As the Ark entered the city gates, aware of the tragic events, David dared to dance with all of his might before it. Some considered it scandalous. But the LORD found favor with it.

This is an oil painting of David dancing before the Ark. It is unfinished, but I kind of like it that way. I love the movement in it. It makes me feel like giving my all to God. No matter what others may think.

Lent is finally over. Easter is here! Away with the charcoal and bring back the colors!

Easter is a time to celebrate Jesus’ conquering death and bringing salvation to the world. I think that’s worth dancing about. I hope you have enjoyed this series. May you be blessed by God’s gift of grace. May you respond to God with your all. Come what may in life. In good times and in bad, I pray you find the courage to dance in gratitude of God’s amazing grace. Alleluia!

PSALM 103

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and all that is within me,

bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and do not forget all his benefits—

who forgives all your iniquity,

who heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the Pit,

who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

who satisfies you with good as long as you live

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

The Lord works vindication

and justice for all who are oppressed.

He made known his ways to Moses,

his acts to the people of Israel.

The Lord is merciful and gracious,

slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

He will not always accuse,

nor will he keep his anger for ever.

He does not deal with us according to our sins,

nor repay us according to our iniquities.

For as the heavens are high above the earth,

so great is his steadfast love towards those who fear him;

as far as the east is from the west,

so far he removes our transgressions from us.

As a father has compassion for his children,

so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him.

For he knows how we were made;

he remembers that we are dust.

As for mortals, their days are like grass;

they flourish like a flower of the field;

for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,

and its place knows it no more.

But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting

on those who fear him,

and his righteousness to children’s children,

to those who keep his covenant

and remember to do his commandments.

The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,

and his kingdom rules over all.

Bless the Lord, O you his angels,

you mighty ones who do his bidding,

obedient to his spoken word.

Bless the Lord, all his hosts,

his ministers that do his will.

Bless the Lord, all his works,

in all places of his dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul.