As a preacher, I’m rightly concerned with the content of each of my Sunday sermons. I must confess, however, that I can fall into the trap of being overly concerned with what people think of my message—not whether or not the message is clearly understood or whether the people and the Lord Himself are blessed by what I say. I can become more concerned with the goal of having church members like what I say and approve of my message. Sometimes a furrowed brow in the congregation, especially from someone I know and respect spiritually, can seriously interrupt my flow and cause me no small amount of consternation.
In 2 Samuel 6:12-23, David didn’t dabble in such self-obsession as he danced “with all his might” before the ark (2 Samuel 6:14). His behavior wasn’t becoming for a king, nor was it in keeping with the character of a mighty warrior. (“Saul has killed his thousands, and David his ten thousands!” the people sang in 1 Samuel 18:7.) Mighty warriors and kings simply didn’t behave so passionately, so exuberantly in front of their subjects. What must his generals have thought?
But David danced before God “with all his might,” because God is worthy of all our worship, and He demands our all. The writer of the great hymn “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” put it perfectly: “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.”
Likewise, in John 7:1-52, we read of Jesus passionately doing what His Father wanted Him to do. His family, the Jews, the multitude, and the Pharisees all turned on Him! But He pressed on, despite their sniping words and physical attacks. Only His Father’s opinion really mattered. May that also be true of us as we passionately serve our audience of One.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Jude 1:17-25nn pr
More:
Read Philippians 1:21 and reflect on what it means to be completely sold out for Jesus and His ways.
Next:
How does pride sometimes prevent us from truly worshiping God? Why are we sometimes held back by the opinions of others? What can we do about that?
gillian on December 28, 2014 at 3:33 am
Russell, what I am increasingly looking for in sermons is going beyond mere words and wouldn’t it be nice if … to evidence that there is a real commitment and conviction to put words into action. In my Church there is now a real emphasis on personal discipleship and living out the message. Just started reading, Kerry and Chris Shook’s, “Be the message,” where they explore the disconnection between the words spoken and the lives we lead. Wouldn’t it be a great witness to the world if our words were lived out by actions? This should be our New Year resolution for 2015 (and beyond!)
Gary Shultz on December 28, 2014 at 6:49 am
This is good stuff for open discussion. I think great care must be taken as God’s word is taught, so I agree with you. I feel some of the more euphoric expressions should be done by the individual outside the class room or worship setting. We see no evidence of exuberant expressions as David did in the church setting teaching. I figure if you want to skip in the woods, go for it, but I don’t see that the church is the setting for it; however, what God lays on your heart for instruction should be freely expressed, passionately for sure….. You possibly even enjoy poking a hornets nest now and then…. Thanks
ansje on December 28, 2014 at 5:45 pm
Question: I would like to follow your Read through the Bible in a year, however, one of my biggest distraction is having to go on-line to get that day’s reading. Might you have a print-out of each day’s passages I could use?
Mike Wittmer on December 29, 2014 at 9:40 am
I think every preacher experiences this. I regularly repent just before I preach and immediately after, for the reason you gave.
tgustafs on December 30, 2014 at 8:25 am
Ansje, if you have not received a printout of the Read through the Bible in a Year schedule, I have a pdf available. Just email me at timgustafson@rbc.org. I’ll get it right out to you.