It Does Take All That!
Good Son-Day!!!
It Does Take All That!
A few weeks ago, the Denver Nuggets won the NBA (National Basketball Association) championship. As custom, a parade was held in Denver to celebrate their accomplishment. An estimated 1 million plus fans lined the streets of Denver to view the parade; which is amazing considering the population of the city is 715,522.
The parade lasted about one hour and ended at the Civic Center Park. The whole event featured thousands of raucous fans and a lit team at its conclusion. When team members spoke at the park, it was quite apparent they had lost their speaking filters that were honed by their agents. With no regard for their public image, multiple players spoke dropping the F-bomb a few times in their speech to the fans. Their uninhibited words were well received by the fans.
Women sports are not immune to this kind of reaction to winning a championship. The reigning WNBA champions (Women National Basketball Association), Las Vegas Aces reacted similarly in their championship celebration with the colorful language. One player even passed out on stage and was cheered on by fans.
This message is not about judgment of the players, but more about society holds in high esteem, associates with, identifies with, and praises with no holds bar. You know I love sports. It is wonderful entertainment. But it is not life and death. It is not something where you have a vicarious connection to a player or team. Those millionaires could care less about. In the grand scheme of things, it is fun to watch the heights of human physical achievement. But there are other more meaningful achievements that should garner greater praise than sports.
You know where I am going. When it comes to how God has meaningfully impacted our lives, the reaction sometimes is to be reserved, poised, and serene. Jo and I watched a one stage play video produced in 2004 titled, “He Say…, She Say…, But What Does God Say?”. One of the lead actors was Thomas Mikal Ford, aka “Tommy” in the comedy series “Martin”.
Thomas’ role in the play was the reserved and serious minded “Deacon Witherspoon”. The only memorable bit from the play for me was his recurring catch phrase throughout the play, “It doesn't take all that”. He would say it when church members were behaving typecast church cartoonish (intended to be comic relief). However, the last time he uttered the phrase, he was wrong. When church members were seriously engaged in honorable praise and were giving God their best adoration—”It did take all that!”
Case in point . . . King David, a mighty man of God danced in front of an entire nation wearing essentially a tank top and shorts. Not very dignified apparel for a king. My goodness, do you remember the outcry from some when President Obama wore a . . . tan suit. David was totally engaged and immersed in his praise to God at the time and did not care what others thought. Here is the passage (especially love verse 22):
2 Samuel 6:14-25
of Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord with shouts of joy and the blowing of rams’ horns.
16 But as the Ark of the Lord entered the City of David, Michal, the daughter of Saul, looked down from her window. When she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she was filled with contempt for him.
17 They brought the Ark of the Lord and set it in its place inside the special tent David had prepared for it. And David sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord. 18 When he had finished his sacrifices, David blessed the people in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 19 Then he gave to every Israelite man and woman in the crowd a loaf of bread, a cake of dates,[b] and a cake of raisins. Then all the people returned to their homes.
20 When David returned home to bless his own family, Michal, the daughter of Saul, came out to meet him. She said in disgust, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today, shamelessly exposing himself to the servant girls like any vulgar person might do!”
21 David retorted to Michal, “I was dancing before the Lord, who chose me above your father and all his family! He appointed me as the leader of Israel, the people of the Lord, so I celebrate before the Lord. 22 Yes, and I am willing to look even more foolish than this, even to be humiliated in my own eyes! But those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!” 23 So Michal, the daughter of Saul, remained childless throughout her entire life.
Hmmmmm, Michal was put in her place and lost out on many blessings.
Every now and then I will put out the reminder that praise demands a sacrifice (Hebrews 13:15) and God does not settle for less than your entire being. Allow God meaningful time in your life for acknowledgement and praise throughout your week. Give Him your intellect, emotion, limbs, arms, and torso. He will honor it and you. Two words of encouragement for you to try . . . unfettered praise.
Song of the Week:
“Dance Like David (Live)”, 2022, Circuit Rider Music ft. Jonathan Stamper & Black Voices Movement
Of course I had to list an apropos song. There is an abandonment feeling of this song I love. Getting lost in praise to Him. What an uplifting high!
Dance Like David (Live) Lyrics
I didn’t know this was for me
I tried to give it away
But now I know you’re what I need more than anything
God I live for your fame
You made your sanctuary in my heart
Brightened the darkest of Days
Because your blood has made a way
And now, we say let heaven invade
When the ark comes back to the city
When the ark comes back to the streets
When the ark comes back to the city
We’re gonna dance like, David
We’re gonna dance like, David
I hear the sound of the hungry
Distractions out of the way
Until your kingdom is our only priority
Until you take center stage
So place your presence on our shoulders now
And help us carry the weight
Until our people see your face
God today let heaven invade
Can't contain it
God I feel so free
It’s amazing
There is liberty
When I praise you
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