Everyone is wired to worship. Last night, 160,000 people came together to worship. Where? At the Bristol Motor Speedway. Every August, the Sharpie 500 takes place in Bristol, TN, a town of only 25,000 people. Just across the state line is Bristol, VA, a town of only 18,000 people. But 160,000 show up for worship. 160,000. They cheer. They dress up. They make banners. They… well… worship. Heaven is the checkered flag.
But the people who follow Dale Earnhardt, Jr. or Michael Waltrip or Tony Stewart or Rusty Wallace went home feeling kind of empty last night. There can only be one winner and last night it was Matt Kenseth. So, maybe 150,000 people went home feeling blue. Odds are that next weekend, Matt Kenseth won’t win. And his fans will be blue.
Worship a god with a little “g” and you’ll always end up empty. But there’s another kind of worship that is sure to leave us feeling full of joy. It’s worshipping the one true God – Father, Son, and Spirit.
You’re going to worship. Something or someone is going to be the object of your affection and attention and devotion. Choose wisely.
“The Air I breathe” pp. 28-29.
Worshipping the right God the right way gives us joy. This past week, I sat in our café with a friend and heard her say, “My husband has absolutely no joy.” He comes to services, but he doesn’t connect – doesn’t really worship. The joy of Jesus is gone.
I wonder. Do you have joy? Really? Some of you don’t look so happy. If I could talk to your spouse or kids or friends, they might confirm that you aren’t very fun to be around. I want to talk to you today about finding more joy for your life.
every 6 steps… joy!
II Samuel 6:12-19
We’re going to learn about a defining moment in a King’s life. It is the story of a passionate worship that begins with joy and ends in joy.
Let me set the stage for the story. Long before, God had told His people to build an ark, a box overlaid with gold, to symbolize His presence and his power for His people. The ark was right at the center of worship for many years. But due to a series of unfortunate events, the ark had been captured by an enemy nation. When it was returned to God’s people, to Israel, for a long time, it was not restored to a place of prominence.
But now, there was a new King, a man who loved God with great passion. His name was David. He knew he was wired to worship and wrote of a lot of the worship Psalms in the Bible. He said, “I want the ark – the symbol of God’s presence and power – to be at the center of worship for the people. I want to get back the power and presence of God.” (And maybe that’s just what’s missing in your life today.)
So, David organized a worship celebration – a parade to bring the ark to the capital city, Jerusalem. Over 30,000 people were a part of that celebration. On that day, God rained down judgment on David’s parade.
In past weeks, we’ve talked about 4 quadrants of worship. Q1 worship is worshipping the wrong God the wrong way. Q2 worship is worshipping the wrong God the right way. This wasn’t the problem for David that day. David was leading Q3 worship – worshipping the right God the wrong way.
The ark also symbolized God’s holiness and was not to be touched. It was to be carried on poles by priests. But David had put it on a cart. And when the ark almost fell off the cart, a man named Uzzah reached out to stabilize it. And he died on the spot.
The celebration was over and David asked a man who lived close-by, a man named Obed-edom, to keep the ark in his house. Now, Obed-edom was a Q4 worshipper. He worshipped the right God the right way for the right reason. And the Bible says he and his family were blessed by God.
Q3 worship is dangerous. And that’s where most of us are. Usually, God shows mercy in spite of our Q3 worship and gives us opportunity to get it right. But every now and then, God will display His justice, like He did with Uzzah. We don’t want to stay with Q3 worship.
Q4 worship results in blessing. Listen carefully. Worship is first and foremost for God. It’s for Him, not us. We worship Him for who He is, not for the things He does for us – not to manipulate Him to get His blessings. That’s what I mean when I say we must worship the right God the right way for the right reason. What’s amazing is that we find out that in giving Him pleasure, we get joy. Q4 worship satisfies like nothing else.
Let’s pick up the story in verse 12 as we learn more about Q4 worship today.
12And it was told King David, “The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.”
This guy is a Q4 worshipper. And the presence and power of God are operating in full force in this guy’s life. His whole family is being blessed. And David is a King who loves his people. He wants that for the whole nation. He wants to get back the presence and power of God – something that will bring deep joy. Last part of verse 12…
So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing.
There it is. Joy! Passionate praise produces joy! True worship doesn’t produce long-faced, bored-out-of-their-minds people. Worship won’t make you miserable. Q4 worship results in more and more joy in your life! Don’t underestimate that.
I grew up in a home with lot of testosterone. I had no sisters, but two big brothers. Jerry broke his wrist once and used to bang me over the head with his cast. (Maybe that explains why I’m a few brains cells short!) In a house with all boys, you were trained to be tough. And now, Maryanne and I have three sons of our own. There’s a lot of wrestling and rough-housing going on at our house. Question: How does worship fit into the testosterone zone? Worship is for wimps, right?
No! Worship is not for wimps!
Think about the central character of this story, David. David was a man’s man and was probably the most passionate worshipper in the Bible. In fact, the Bible says he was a man after God’s own heart (I Samuel 13;14 and Acts 13:22). I want you to think with me about who this man was.
David was a shepherd. As a young shepherd, the Bible tells us stories about how he killed a lion and a bear to protect his flock. Tough job… shepherd. Alone. In the elements. Facing danger.
David was a soldier. They used to sing a song about him, “Saul has slain his 1000s, but David his 10,000s.” He fought in the days of hand-to-hand combat. He was a bloody warrior. In fact, in David’s first fight as a young soldier, he faced a Philistine enemy giant named Goliath. No one else in Israel’s army had the guts to face him. But David did. He killed the giant. And then, for good measure, cut off his head.
David was a sovereign – a king. When this story takes place, he’s about 30 years old. And he had just been installed as the King of Israel. His name is on the tip of everybody’s tongue. When he said “jump,” people asked, “How high?”
He’s shepherd, soldier, sovereign. Not a wimp. He was a man’s man… yet we are going to see a man who is passionate about Q4 worship. And His life is filled with joy!
If you think you’re too tough or too important or too busy to worship, then you’re the wimp. If you want to access more of God’s joy for your life, you’ve got to move from Q1, Q2, Q3 to Q4 worship.
I see four big ideas from our verses for today.
Joyful worship is…
1. … sacrificial. II Sam 6:13
Remember, the first time David tried to bring the ark to Jerusalem, he didn’t follow God’s directions. And a man died. So, for three months, the ark was kept in someone’s home.
And during those three months, David did his homework. He’s searched God’s Word about how to transport the ark. Now, the day has come to bring the ark to Jerusalem. And they do it the right way, priests carrying it with poles on their shoulders.
13And when those who bore the ark of the LORD had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal.
Why every six steps? One commentator said, “God worked in creation for six days and then rested.” David and the people are taking extreme measures to do Q4 worship. Six steps, then sacrifice.
How many steps from Obed-edom’s house to the place where the ark would rest? We don’t know for sure. But David joyfully went to a lot of trouble and expense to worship with passion.
In the Old Testament, that an animal had to die as a result of man’s sin showed the seriousness of sin. And all those sacrifices predicted – foreshadowed – the ultimate sacrifice for sin, Jesus dying on the cross in our place.
Q4 worship is sacrificial. It requires that you give your time, your talent, and your treasure. Every six steps… sacrifice. What if we took that seriously? After every six steps, we said, “Jesus, I give my time and talent and treasure to You”? Or what if we did it after every six minutes or after every six “to dos” are done or after every six hours? Certainly, after every six days, we ought to show up at a worship service and give God our time, our talent, our treasure.
Later in his life, David taught us how important sacrifice is to passionate, joy-filled worship.
I will not offer to the Lord my God sacrifices that have cost me nothing.
II Samuel 24:24 (TEV)
Earlier in this service, you saw a video of 30 people being baptized, publicly proclaiming that Jesus has changed their lives. The previous week, 30 people were baptized right here in this building at 707, our mission to young adults. 60 changed lives celebrated through baptism in just 8 days. Those were true worship experiences. But they never would have happened without sacrifice. You have given you time and talent and treasure – your money. And because of that, God is changing lives. And giving us joy! I thank you for it. Thanks for putting your dollars in the offering baskets as an act of sacrificial worship.
I see a young mom. You love your preschoolers. But it’s a challenge. And in your heart, you know your joy is gone. Your husband calls and says, “I’ll be home in 30 minutes.” But 2 hours later, he’s not there. You’re exhausted and feeling alone. The joy is gone.
I wonder what would happen if you said, “After every 6 diapers, I’ll sacrifice some time and pull away for just 30 seconds to worship. After every 6 runny noses wiped – after every 6 dishes washed, I’ll sacrifice some time to sing a love song to the Lord”? Would your joy be rekindled? Passionate praise produces joy.
Is your worship sacrificial? Joyful worship is sacrificial.
2. … physical. II Sam 6:14a
Some of us would rather let go of our silver than let go of ourselves. Not David. He did both.
14And David danced before the LORD with all his might.
The word “dance” here is karar in the Hebrew. It can be translated “whirling.” It only appears twice in the Bible. Both times here in II Samuel 6. It’s some type of a whirling leaping thing he’s doing. David was not embarrassed to worship God extravagantly – physically.
As I studied this verse this past week, I thought, “I can’t ever remember a time when I personally danced in the worship of God.” That bothered me. So, I went out to the Metroparks and sang a song and choreographed a dance to the Lord for myself to do. I must admit, I felt a little peculiar, but also, good. After all, aren’t supposed to be peculiar people?
The Bible says we have to get physical with our worship.
You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.
Mark 12:30 (NLT)
When Jesus said, “Love God with all your strength,” He pointed out that worship takes effort and energy. Are you using your body – your strength – in worship? You say, “How should I express my worship physically?” Our worship pastor, Brian and I had a little discussion this past week about what the Bible says about physical worship. Here’s what God’s word says about how to use your body in worship. I can worship…
Sitting, I Chronicles 17:16
Standing, Psalm 33:8
Walking, Psalm 48:12
Dancing, Psalm 149:3
Leaping, II Samuel 6:16
Eyes up, Psalm 123:1
Eyes down, Luke 18:13
Bowing, Psalm 95:6a
Kneeling, Psalm 95:6b
Face down, Revelation 7:11
Clapping, Psalm 47:1
Lifting hands, Psalm 63:4
Why lift your hands? Because in lifting your hands, you say, “I surrender. I volunteer. I receive. I celebrate.”
Some of us think kneeling is too formal, too ritualistic. Other of us think hand-raising is too radical, too Pentecostal. We all bring our upbringing and reactions and prejudices to the worship table. But we have to be careful about that. I hope we are committed to just be biblical. Don’t you just want to do what the Bible says? If God reveals that He wants to be worshipped these ways, let’s just do it!
Church leaders used to say this: ecclesia reformata et semper reformanda. It’s Latin. And it means, “The Church is reformed and always needing to be reformed.” We never get it right. We always need to change and be more biblical. Worship that is watered-down by our upbringing and reactions and preferences needs reforming. Let’s learn from the Bible how to worship better.
Every posture of worship that’s taught in the Bible ought to be done. If we will worship Jesus using Bible methods, then the joy of His presence will come to us in wave after wave like we’ve never known it before.
I see a father whose joy is gone. His son no longer looks him in the eye. When he comes home, the son has a kind of minty, mouthwashy smell on his breath, but the dad knows it’s masking the smell of alcohol. The son is far from God.
They used to come to church together. But this son never saw his dad ever bow his knees in prayer at church or at home. He never saw his dad fold his hands in prayer. What he saw was a dad just going through the motions.
A long time ago, I learned this: What a parent does in moderation, children will do in excess. His id has seen lukewarm worship his whole life and now, he’s taken lukewarmness to a whole new level.
I wonder what would happen if this dad really got passionate about worship – about loving God with all his strength? Would the joy return? Would the change impact his son? Would the son come home to Jesus? Passionate praise produces joy.
Is your worship physical? Joyful worship is physical.
3. … humble. II Sam 6:14b
Keep in mind that David is a king. He’s just been crowned. There’s a certain way to behave. With dignity. There are certain clothes you should wear. Royal robes. “Hey, I’m king. I want to be respected and honored.” But look at verse 14.
14 And David was wearing a linen ephod.
What’s that? I get the linen part. What’s the ephod part?
An ephod is something that a priest would wear. It’s a rectangle of cloth in the front and the back held together by straps over the shoulders and a belt around the waist. It’s what priests wore for worship.
David, the King, says, “The best thing I can do on this day is not get all dressed up like I’m a ‘somebody.’ I’m not trying to impress anyone with my position. Yes, today, I’ll dress a little differently than usual. But I won’t wear the clothes of wealth. I’ll wear the clothes of worship.”
On that day, David didn’t look like a king. David humbled himself. David wasn’t worried about looking like a king. He was busy being a worshiper. David wasn’t concerned with public perceptions. It was unashamed devotion for him. He wasn’t concerned about protecting his dignity. He released his pride, his privilege, and his power so he could worship in spirit and in truth. Why? He knew God love to be worshipped by those who are humble – by those who think little of themselves and much of Him.
To this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.
Isaiah 66:2b (NASB)
It’s so encouraging to see leaders today who are humble and who openly speak of their dependence on God.
Businessman Truck driver. No joy. Too important. Too tough. What if? Humble self?
Will you take off your pride, your privilege, and your power? Will you put on an ephod? Will you worship in spirit and in truth? Passionate praise produces joy!
Will you be a humble worshipper? Joyful worship is humble.
… musical. II Sam 6:15
15So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the horn.
Sing to Him; sing praises to Him; tell of all His wondrous works! Sing to the LORD, all the earth! Tell of His salvation from day to day.
I Chronicles 16:9, 23 (ESV)
Joyful worship is musical.
* * *
When I engage in Q4 worship, God will give me grace to bless others (See II Sam 6:18-19).
17And they brought in the ark of the LORD and set it in its place, inside the tent that David had pitched for it. And David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the LORD.
18And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the LORD of hosts
David’s heart goes out to the people who are lining the streets. They are there celebrating this coming of this symbol of God’s presence and power to the nation’s capital. The people had played around and lost the ark years ago, but now it was back! David wants to bless the people. And he does. Through prayer. But that’s not all. Look at verse 19…
19and distributed among all the people, the whole multitude of Israel, both men and women, a cake of bread, a portion of meat, and a cake of raisins to each one.
David had just worshipped the God who had blessed him and now he just had to let those blessings spill over to others. So, as the king, he digs into his own wallet and gives to the people. True worship makes you a joyful giver.
When we worship, we are reminded that God has been so very generous to us. He’s loved us. He’s given us Jesus. He’s forgiven us though what Christ did on the cross. He’s given us the sure hope of heaven. He’s met our needs. And when we think of how He’s blessed us, we worship. And then, we want to bless others!
It’s just happened here in the last couple of weeks. We asked those of you who have been here to worship to bring school supplies to give to children who have needs. Let me tell you just a little of what God has done.
• 10 families in need at this church received supplies.
• The city of Brecksville asked for help for 10 children in great need and we were able to give 10 very nice back-packs filled with supplies.
• 56 children were given school boxes filled with supplies through the ministry of the Village Grace Mission Center in Cleveland.
• We gave supplies to the “Lift Jesus Up” bus ministry to hand out in the inner-city.
• 3 inner-city schools were given boxes of supplies.
• We sent 3 boxes of supplies to Scranton Road Bible Church on the near Westside.
• We shipped 5 large boxes of backpacks and supplies to a women’s shelter in West Virginia.
One CVC mother told us that her neighbors had been asking, “Why do you drive a half an hour to your church?” She said, “Just come to find out why.” Last week, she was with her neighbors wondering how they were all going to afford these school supplies, her phone rang and someone from the church let her know that we had all of the supplies she needed. All she had to do was come pick them up! She got off of the phone and said, “And now I have another reason why I drive a half an hour to my church!”
What happens when we are given the grace to bless others? Listen to what Jackie Tuckerman and the team who gave away the supplies said, “Once again we are in awe at the generosity of this church. We received an over-whelming response. God is awesome! Thank you again for this amazing opportunity to serve! We had a blast giving and giving with what CVCC had provided.”
When Q4 worship leads you to bless others, you have a blast – you get joy! David got joy when his worship led him to give a blessing to others. And you will, too. That’s not all. Those who are blessed get joy, too. Look at how this part of the story ends.
19b Then all the people departed, each to his house.
II Samuel 6:12-15, 17-19 (ESV)
How do you think the people went home? Do you think they said, “Well, I’m glad that’s over with?” I don’t think so. The Bible gives us some clues as to how they might have gone home.
See, as part of the celebration that day that the ark came to Jerusalem, David commissioned a psalm of thanks. And it’s recorded in the Bible in several places: I Chronicles 16 and Psalms 105 and 96. Here are just a few verses. Notice the emphasis on joy.
Let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice... Strength and joy are in His place... Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice... Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy...
I Chronicles 16:10b, 27b, 31a, 33a (ESV)
It’s not a stretch to say that the people – after a day of Q4 worship – went home with joy! How about you? Do you have joy? Really?
A truth to take home: Passionate praise produces joy.
It was A. W. Tozer who said, “Without worship, we go about miserable.” He got it. Do we? Do you?
A verse to take in: In Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11, ESV).
How much joy have we given up because we did not choose to worship? How much joy have you deprived yourself of because you would not be sacrificial or physical or humble or musical?
A change to take on: This week, I will do something “new” to express my love for the Lord.
