On the Street or in the Window?

           In the Old Testament, the “ark of the covenant” was the most important symbol that God’s people possessed.  When this rectangular, gold covered box with the two angels on top was nearby, God’s presence was with them in a special way.  It is easy, then, to understand why, when David became king, he wanted the ark brought to his new capital, Jerusalem.

           As the ark entered the city, a great celebration broke out.  In fact, we are told that David “danced with all his might” and that the people “brought up the ark with shouts” (2 Samuel 6:15).  They offered sacrifices.  They had a feast.  The Lord’s blessing was given.  Everyone was rejoicing.

            Well, not quite everyone.  “As the ark was entering the city, Michal (David’s wife)… watched from a window.  And when she saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, she despised him in her heart” (verse 16).

            How could that be?  How could the same event make David so excited and his wife so angry?  Why did they react so differently?

            Well, Michal and David were trying to please different audiences. 

            When David came home after the celebrations, Michal sarcastically said, “How the King of Israel has distinguished himself today!”  She thought that he had embarrassed himself by running around among the common people.  She thought it was wrong that he was out there without his robe and crown acting like “any vulgar fellow would!” (Verse 20)  In modern language she was asking, “What would people think?”

            I love David’s response.  “It was before the Lord… I will celebrate before the Lord” (verse 21).  He goes on to say, “I will become even more undignified than this”.  In other words, “You ain’t seen nothing yet!”   David was going to celebrate the things of God whether anyone else approved or not.  As long as God was happy with him, he was not concerned that others might think that he was “foolish”. 

            David’s audience was “God”.  Unfortunately, Michal’s audience was “everyone else”. 

            Sadly, this is not the only time in scripture that we see someone choosing the wrong audience.  In the New Testament we read, “Many among the leaders believed in Him (Jesus).  But … they would not confess their faith… for they loved praise from men more than praise from God” (John 12:42-43).

            So, the question becomes, “Where are you in this story?”   If you were there, you would be on the street celebrating with David, or would you be hiding behind the curtain in the window with Michal? 

            Who is your audience? 

            The answer to that question makes all the difference.