Holy Presence and the Fear of the Lord (Paul)

Series:  Why the Fear of the Lord Matters
Part 4:  Holy Presence and the Fear of the Lord
Sermon by: Rev. Paul Lawler
Scripture:  2 Samuel 6:14-23

The Ark, considered Israel's most sacred object and the presence of God among His people, David, as the newly appointed king of Israel, sought to bring it to Jerusalem to establish it as the focus of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence in the capital city.

David is portrayed as a man after God's own heart, craving the presence of the Lord. He organizes a parade of 30,000 men to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, with beautiful worship music and joyous celebration. David's worship is demonstrative and heartfelt because he has a revelation of God's Gospel and cherishes God's presence. 

On the other hand, Michal, the previous king Saul’s daughter, exhibits indifference and apathy toward worship. She merely shows up for the celebration without genuine response or affection for God. Her heart is filled with resentment, bitterness, and unforgiveness towards David. She criticizes David's expressive worship, viewing it as beneath his station, and her focus is on what people think rather than on pleasing God.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of genuine and heartfelt worship, driven by an awakened affection for God's presence and revelation. David's example shows that worship is a verb, not merely showing up for a religious event. On the other hand, Michal's barren heart is attributed to her unforgiveness and resentment.

David's choice to dress down in priestly attire while worshipping symbolizes his humility and reverence before God, setting aside his kingly status in the presence of the King of Kings.

We can respond to God's presence and revelation with heartfelt worship and a focus on pleasing Him rather than being influenced by the opinions of others.