Encounter: Find a quiet place to be in the presence of God. Read from 2 Samuel, chapter 6, verses 16 through 22. Contemplate your personality with that of David and Michal. Consider the thought of being completely free, not worrying about others around you and what they may think and consider this question; how would you truly love to celebrate Christ?
Sometimes we have to learn how to let go and be completely free to be who we are when we worship God and not worry about what others around us may think. This means we are vulnerable and subject to attack. So let me begin by being vulnerable to you.
I love art, classical music, jazz, Gospel and Christian music, all kinds of dance from ballet, hip-hop, the tango and salsa and yes I did some break dancing in high school. While I wish I had the talent for all these things, God gave me the gift to be able to appreciate these works of art. The question is, do all of these things that I truly enjoy make me less of a man?
I grew up in a time where a man who truly enjoyed the arts would be considered less of a man. After all a man’s man enjoyed good fights with Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman and Sugar Ray Leonard. He should be competitive and enjoy sports like football, basketball and baseball. He should work hard and support his family.
The truth is, I am very competitive and enjoy all of those sports and more. I considered exploring boxing when I attended Vincennes University for a year. I like classic rock and country music. Believe it or not, I also like to “cut a rug” given the right circumstances.
Where am I going with all of this? Over time, we begin to build a wall around us and live our lives in fear of what others may think if we do or act out in certain circumstances. Michal, David’s wife judged David for leaping and dancing as he was celebrating the Lord when they were moving the Ark of the Covenant. David was a man who put his trust in God and even though he was a king, he was going to worship and celebrate God by leaping and dancing.
When it comes to praising God and celebrating who He is and what He has done for you, how do you praise and celebrate Him? Can you allow your inner child to be free and lift your hands and dance before God?
Jesus tells us in Mark 10:14-15; “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”
Monday January 6, is known as the day of Epiphany or Three Kings Day. This is the twelfth day after Christmas and is recognized as the day the Three Wise Men reached Baby Jesus and witnessed Christ, the Savior to the world. They celebrated this monumental moment by giving gifts to the King of all kings.
How will you praise and celebrate? Will you be willing to lift your hands and dance before God? Or will you stifle your inner child and be a wall flower in the dance hall of God’s Kingdom?
Reflect: Take a moment and try to reflect back to what it was like to be a child and carefree of the thoughts of others around you. If that is a challenge, reflect to a child or grandchild that you know and consider how they play or the things they say. Ask yourself this question; how can I be free to praise and worship the mighty God who gave His Son for me? Can I dance and sing songs of praise to him in my living room or outdoors in the yard or barn?
Spiritual Practice: If you are able, stand with your feet about a shoulder widths apart. Place your hands at your sides. As you take a deep breath in, raise your hands all the way up till they come together. As you exhale, bring your hands down to your chest in a prayer position. Do this a couple of times. Then say “Thank you God!” And let your body go crazy like a child. Journal how you felt prior to this exercise and then how you felt when you let go and went crazy for God, and how you feel right now. If you are unable to do this standing, try to do this sitting straight up and instead of spinning around in circles or jumping up and down, let your mind be free as you shake your hands and arms to praise God!
Gather: As you gather in your small groups, share with one another about your experience doing the spiritual practice. Share with one another what holds you back from dancing for the Lord in the isle at Hi-way 3 Hardware or Walmart (I’m sure Pastor Tammy or Debbie won’t have their phones ready to record your dance). Pray for one another and ask God to give the courage to let go and be free to praise and worship God every day, every place you go!
Dancing with you for Jesus!
Pastor Phil