1 Chronicles 15:29
As the ark of the covenant of the Lord came to the city of David, Michal daughter of Saul looked out of the window, and saw King David leaping and dancing; and she despised him in her heart.
I suppose if you’re going to despise someone, the best place to do it is in your heart. I mean, where else would you despise someone? The ark of the covenant might yet be something reserved for seminary and Sunday School had it not been for “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” There are any number of conspiracy theories as to where the original ark is but there’s a good chance that if the Babylonians didn’t destroy it in the fifth century BC the Romans did when they destroyed Jerusalem in the first century AD. The stories surrounding it are pretty cool. That it was actually some kind of seat of God when the temples were built is also pretty cool.
But David was pretty joyous to bring the ark back to Jerusalem. It had kind of been lost in battle, then brought misery to the Philistines who returned it. It sat untouched on one guy’s property because the priests were afraid but that guy did so well in his life that David finally had it brought to a place in Jerusalem. He appointed only certain priests to handle it but this processional had musicians and singers and a music director. His name was Chenaniah and, interestingly, he directed because he “understood” the music. Perhaps we should change Paul’s name to Chenaniah. (Of course, when I highlight this name on my iPad it says to “learn spelling.”)
David, however, was pretty happy. There are a lot of reasons to be pretty happy in the midst of COVID. My sister is volunteering in Oregon giving vaccinations. To do so, she has had her first shot. She’s pretty happy. Every time we’re able to safely be with others, we’re pretty happy. I had an eagle with my son on the Lake Junaluska golf course before Christmas. I was pretty happy. Much to the consternation of some, I think things are going to be pretty happy in the coming months and years. Will we dance like David? I’m not sure. If we do, I’m sure some will despise us in their hearts. I’ve been a pretty happy pastor for many years and I know some didn’t like it because they think pastors should be sad and serious. Some people will despise our happiness because they’re jealous. Others because they just not happy as a rule. But keep your masks on. Keep your distance. Practice some restraint and, hopefully, it won’t be long until we’re dancing with joy. I can tell you this; God will not despise us.
Dance, then, wherever you may be.
I am the Lord of the dance, said he
And I’ll lead you all, wherever you may be,
And I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he.
O God, bless our dancing...even if it is in our hearts. Amen.
Pastor Rick Moser