Celebration

(I Chronicles 13:8) "David and all Israel were celebrating with all their might..." They were taking the Ark home and were excited about it. The procession was highlighted with energetic praise. Two types of stringed instruments, two types of percussion instruments and a woodwind instrument are listed. My favorite phrase is, "with all their might." They were singing and playing with everything they had. It was unfettered, unpretentious, unashamed worship. How I long to worship the same way, not worried about my voice (which can't seem to follow the music), not worried about those around me, but rather enjoying their presence and the offering of praise they are bringing. As energetic as it was, this was not a charismatic chaos. They were not just hooping and hollering with such a strange abandon that the worshippers became the focus. God was the focus. God is worthy of energetic, passionate worship but He is also a God of order. Five types of instruments blended to the music of the songs they sung. And one man died because they did not follow the proper procedure for carrying the ark. It was meant to be carried by Levites bearing poles passed through rings on the sides. Instead, they put it up on a cart dragged by oxen. When the oxen stumbled, the ark jostled and Uzzah tried to steady it with his hand. The ark was holy and was not meant to be touched. So God struck Him dead.

How I long to approach my Holy, Perfect God offering Him worship with energy, worship with excellence. My soul longs after God, "when can I go and meet with God."