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- Apr 25, 2006
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22 July 2007
2 Samuel 6 v 1-5
David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel - thirty thousand of them. Then he and all his people went to Baalah in Judah to bring back the Ark of God. The Ark is called by the Name, the name of the LORD All-Powerful, whose throne is between the gold creatures with wings. They put the Ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of Abinadab's house on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, led the new cart which had the Ark of God on it. Ahio was walking in front of it. David and all the Israelites were celebrating in the presence of the LORD. They were playing wooden instruments: lyres, harps, tambourines, rattles, and cymbals.
The battle is over and now it is PARTY TIME!!!
I don't know how often your church looks like a party, but look at the description here - 'wooden instruments: lyres, harps, tambourines, rattles, and cymbals'. We are not talking peaceful reflective worship here, we are talking a rip roaring, no holes bared, 100% going for it celebration.
Some churches are great at noisy joyful celebrations; more often I find churches are better at the quieter, more reflective moments. The reality is that we need both. We have a God who knows the great times and the tragic ones, who feels our tears and our laughter. Our worship needs to recognise the full range of emotions as well. After all he knew how to be at a wedding party where the wine was flowing and to be with those who where weeping because they were filled with grief.
However you are feeling today, broken or rejoicing, struggling or excited, depressed or hopeful, Jesus understands. He is there and with you in it whether that is easy to believe or not. 'I will never leave you or forsake you' is his promise to you, no matter how unworthy or undeserving you might feel.
Lord, Father, Friend, you know the state of my heart today. You know and understand. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit today that I may know the comfort of being your child. Amen
Written by David Booker
2 Samuel 6 v 1-5
David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel - thirty thousand of them. Then he and all his people went to Baalah in Judah to bring back the Ark of God. The Ark is called by the Name, the name of the LORD All-Powerful, whose throne is between the gold creatures with wings. They put the Ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of Abinadab's house on the hill. Uzzah and Ahio, sons of Abinadab, led the new cart which had the Ark of God on it. Ahio was walking in front of it. David and all the Israelites were celebrating in the presence of the LORD. They were playing wooden instruments: lyres, harps, tambourines, rattles, and cymbals.
The battle is over and now it is PARTY TIME!!!
I don't know how often your church looks like a party, but look at the description here - 'wooden instruments: lyres, harps, tambourines, rattles, and cymbals'. We are not talking peaceful reflective worship here, we are talking a rip roaring, no holes bared, 100% going for it celebration.
Some churches are great at noisy joyful celebrations; more often I find churches are better at the quieter, more reflective moments. The reality is that we need both. We have a God who knows the great times and the tragic ones, who feels our tears and our laughter. Our worship needs to recognise the full range of emotions as well. After all he knew how to be at a wedding party where the wine was flowing and to be with those who where weeping because they were filled with grief.
However you are feeling today, broken or rejoicing, struggling or excited, depressed or hopeful, Jesus understands. He is there and with you in it whether that is easy to believe or not. 'I will never leave you or forsake you' is his promise to you, no matter how unworthy or undeserving you might feel.
Lord, Father, Friend, you know the state of my heart today. You know and understand. Fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit today that I may know the comfort of being your child. Amen
Written by David Booker
