Michal's Disgust - Ruminating in the Word of God

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Chronicles 15:29,

"As the ark of the covenant of the Lord was entering the City of David, Michal daughter of Saul watched from a window. And when she saw King David dancing and celebrating, she despised him in her heart."

Michal, one of David's wives, "despised" David when he brought the ark of the Lord to Jerusalem with fanfare, music, dancing and great celebration. Why did Michal despise David?

We learn from 1 Samuel 18:20 that Michal, who was a daughter of King Saul, was in love with David. At least at that time. However, by the time David brought the ark into Jerusalem, she criticized David, "How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, going around half-naked in full view of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!"

Apparently David's celebratory actions offended her. I have to think Michal did not share David's enthusiasm for the Lord and that the significance of bringing the Lord's ark to Jerusalem was lost on her. She viewed David's celebration of the Lord in disgust.

I am reminded of the attitude of those who do not share our devotion to the Lord. John warns us, "Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you." 1 John 3:13. In that passage John recalls how Abel's brother, Cain, murdered him. Abel loved the Lord and worshiped the Lord in the way the Lord wanted. Cain... well, he was religious alright, and as a lot of folks who are caught up in religion do, they are focused on themselves, their desires, and so they express whatever their concept of worship is - their own way, while despising those of us who are a reminder to them that worship is not about us, it is about the Lord.

I can't help but think Michal's disgust found its opportunity in the fact that Michal lived her life in the tent of "Team Cain" and not "Team Abel". Michal and David were on opposite "teams" - the only two teams in life (in the spiritual sense.)

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.