Fun - 2 Samuel 6

Daily Discipler pp 383

2 Samuel 6

(find it at www.biblegateway.com)

Today's DD reading says its about fun, but its actually about a lot more than that, it is about who's approval are we seeking. The passage from 2 Samuel 6 tells two stories. The first is of the Ark of the covenant being brought to Jerusalem, and the fatal stumble of Uzzah, who tried to steady the Ark as the oxen tripped. He died for his efforts. This reminds me that God is powerful and mighty, and the "I didn't mean it" or "I didn't Know" excuses don't really cut it with God. But I am even more interested in David's response. He was grumpy with God, he, like us, probably didn't think God was very fair to strike down someone for trying to help. But David's response is again much like ours. He trys to get back at God. I'll show you, it seems was his attitude. He leaves the Ark of the Covenant in the house of Obed Edom.

But guess what, it doesn't show God anything, all it shows is his human frailty, because instead of Jerusalem receiving the blessing of God's physical presence, Obed Edom does. For 3 whole months.

David obviously repents of his pride and arrogance, and returns to a humble position before God. So humble in fact, that we read the second story - the return of the ark to Jerusalem, and David's humiliating dance. The passage says that David danced with all his might. Some would say like a lunatic (certainly his wife Micah thought so) She was humiliated by her husbands actions and told him so.

Here was the point for me today - who are we trying to please. God or Men (women / wives / children / workmates / teachers .... ) When david was arrogant before the Lord, the blessing flowed on to someone else. When david was humble, really humble, a king dancing embarrassingly so, humble, the blessings returned. It was Micah that God judged - she was left barren for her pride.

David experienced real joy when he wasn't trying to live for the approval of others, but when he realised his position before God, and sought to rejoice in Him. Christians can have fun, usually we stifle our fun, when we try to put on appearances for others. We are truly liberated when we realise it is God we need to please, not men.

Prov 29:6 - A righteous man can sing and be glad

thought for the day: "When was the last time you really enjoyed life?"

Happiness - "Happy are those who want what they already have"

Daily Discipler pp 380

Ecclesiastes 11:7-10

find it at www.biblegateway.com

Wow, this reading was a little gem. How frequently we are disappointed because what we want doesn't happen. what a mind shift it would be to simply "want what we already have" and be content with that. The passage from Ecclesiastes ephasizes the temporary nature of life, and in particular, the places we find joy. Has anyone ever told you to "Just grow up". The sentiment behind this is that we are finding pleasure in being childish, or perhaps wanting with the immaturity of a child. Ecclesiastes says that we rejoice in these moments of youth, and then discover that at the end there is "days of darkness" (death) and we shall be judged for all of our moments. The challenge is how to live with those daily moments, and how to be happy.

Anderson summarizes the ecclesiastes passage with a proverb "Happy are those who want what they already have". Think about this. Not hankering for more. More income, more pleasures, more time, more things, more, more, more, but instead, being happy with what we already have. Think about this. Instead of being disappointed by the poor turn up of friends at your party, rejoice in those who did come. Instead of wishing you earned more money, thanking God for what you already have earned, and what you have been able to do with it.

In Neh 8:10, he clarifies how to live with what we have well. Nehemiah (under inspiration of the spirit of God) says "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength"

If we "Want" what we already have, rather than searching for more, our attitude can be one of outward sharing, and blessing others. If we are searching for what more we can have, we tend to horde for ourselves.

Ecclesiastes 11:10 "Therefore, remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh, for childhood and youth (the selfishness of materialism ?) are vanity.

Thought for the day:

How can the joy of the Lord be your strength ?

Today, I can be content not just with what I have, but with the opportunities God has given, the friends he has placed around me, the ministry he has sown, and the family he has provided. Thankyou Lord for your great provision.