Teach Hypocritically much?

I am the worst sinner that I know.

Last night, I taught briefly on 2 Sam 6:12-23. I focussed on several ideas which were evident in the passage.

1. Our reverance to things of God, as well as God himself.

In the passage, David slaughtered a bull and fatling every six paces the Ark of God was moved. EVERY SIX PACES! And there was considerable amount of distance to cover. Not only that, there was dancing and music (v5 - digression: I assume that during the second attempt of moving the ark, there is music, as well). The treated the Ark of God with reverance for Uzzah was struck down for his irreverance of touching the ark. Only Levites were allowed to touch the Ark of God. (v7)

I also took an example mentioned by Felix from the book, "Safely Home" by Randy Alcorn. In the book, the main character is in China, bibles are extremely rare. He is astonished to see his friends, treat the Bible with such reverance. What he found shocking: The smelling of the pages, the gentle touch to its leather binding, and the absorbing of its words with exhuberence were all very normal for his friends.

2. Unrestrained and unashamed worship

David was king at the time. Yet, he shed his royal clothes for a linen ephod. Without concern for what others thought of him, he danced to please the Lord. Although this was just one day, I would like to assume that David tried to life his life in a manner that worshipped God everyday.

Do we worship God without abandon? Are we concerned with ultimately pleasing Him or seeking the praise of men? Think long and hard, for even Christians today may fall into the trap of praying loudly on street corners instead of praying in a closet to a God unseen. (Matt 6:6) Oh, how foolish we are sometimes.... to question why God does things to act like an impetulent child before a Holy God. That we could even question such a God (Job 38-39), and that he would answer us is a testament of how huge his grace is for us.

3. Criticism by others

Michal, the wife of David, challenges his demeanor. You can sense the biting sarcasm. "How the king of Israel distinguished himself today! He uncovered himself today in the eyes of his servants' maids as one of the foolish ones shamelessly uncovers himself!" (v20). David answers with gentle reverence (1 Peter 3:15) that he celebrates before the Lord, for the Lord. And God is the avenger; Michal not having a child all of her days.

As Christians, an easy way to tell if you are living the good and faithful life is to see if you are being persecuted. (2 Tim 3:12) There will be times when being a faithful servant of God will put you at odds with your boss, your co-workers, your friends, your family, even your spouse. There is only one way: following the Lord. And the Lord blesses those who persevere under trial (Jas 1:12). Know that the things that we suffer in this life are, but a momentary affliction which will produce in us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. (2 Cor 4:16-18) And finally, rejoice that we may be worthy of suffering for His name. (Acts 5:41)

Immediately, following our small group prayer... I threw my Bible (hey, it was in a soft case) towards my bag. Uncle Joe rebuked me right away. So bad on me. :(