May 15 - David the Worship Leader

 Read today’s texts first: 1 Chronicles 25-27; 1 Thessalonians 4

 MAXIMize YOUR DAY

 King David’s worship was current with his day,
just as ours should be.

One of my favourite things to do in church, or anywhere for that matter, is worship God. I especially love worshipping through music and I’ve had the privilege of leading worship for most of my ministry life. That may be one of the reasons I’ve always felt such an affinity with David, who clearly had the same passion.

Today we read about the 288 musicians who were assigned by David to lead Israel into the presence of God through music (25:7). Apparently, as if David wasn’t busy enough, he also made the instruments they played (or at least had them made - 2 Chron. 7:6). If that isn’t convincing enough, then perhaps the psalms he wrote (78 of the 150 included in Scripture) prove David’s obvious passion for musical worship.

While studying and teaching about worship, I noticed many books on worship refer to David. Some from the “restoration theology” camp think that we should restore a type of Davidic worship in the church today. They support their idea with an obscure reference to restoring David’s tabernacle (Acts 15:16). The point James was making to the Jerusalem Council was that the Gentiles need to be included in the church and in their public worship.

Ironically, when we try to bring a 3000 year old worship style into today’s church, we alienate the unchurched (the Gentiles of our day) and actually undermine the Great Commission. To be intentionally missional we need to communicate the gospel and express worship in meaningful and relevant ways. Singing Jewish songs, dancing with flowing robes, and waving banners may be a novelty for Christians but it is generally irrelevant and unattractive to our neighbours. King David’s worship was current with his day, just as ours should be.

“Lord, thank You for the gift of music. You are holy, O You who are enthroned upon the praises of Israel' (Psa. 22:3). I become even more aware of Your presence and Lordship in my life when I sing Your praises.”