This series of “Thoughts for the Day” is inspired by the study series, NOTORIOUS, written by Jeff Lucas. He and Pastor Brent discuss 9 different characters from the Bible who we would possibly call rogues, scoundrels or scallywags. Each one however can teach us something of our faith.
MICHAL (daughter of King Saul) – I have to confess; Michal is not a character from the Bible that I knew anything about.
David was one of King Saul’s generals and had proved himself time and time again in battle. This made Saul rather paranoid and jealous of David, as the people loved David more than Saul. So, as many monarchs throughout history have done, Saul sought to make an alliance with David by marrying him off to his eldest daughter Merab. David, however turned down this marriage proposal, claiming he was off too lower social standing to marry the king’s daughter.
Michal, the king’s younger daughter, however, was in love with David and so Saul saw another way to forge that alliance he so desperately wanted. In time David became king in place of Saul and was responsible for bringing the ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, the capital city.
David was a man who had always liked singing and dancing, and so he made a “song and dance” of bringing the ark back to the city. Michal, disapproved, saying that David had not behaved as a king should have, dancing in the street half naked in front of the servants. David responds saying it is his way or worshipping God, and that the servants will honour him for his behaviour.
Are we sometimes “stuffy” in our worship? Do we exclude people because we only worship the way we want to? Is our worship welcoming and accessible to all?
PRAYER: Sovereign Lord, forgive when our worship is stiff and formal. Help us to relax and be joyful in your presence. May we dance and sing in honour of your name. AMEN