In the depths of David’s heart, a burning ache and unquenchable desire for God’s presence consumed him. His yearning for the Lord was unwavering, propelling him into a lifelong quest to behold the beauty of the Almighty. David’s devotion, as recorded in Psalm 27:4, resonates with a profound longing to dwell in God’s house, to gaze upon His splendor, and to seek His wisdom and knowledge. This desire became the cornerstone of his discipleship and his enduring legacy.
David’s Fervent Pursuit of God
David, as the anointed king, understood that true kingship was not about exalting himself but about exalting the King of kings. He brought the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem, not merely as a religious symbol, but as a symbol of God’s reign over the nation. He desired to make God the King, establishing a nation where God’s presence reigned supreme.
A King and a Worship Sanctuary
In his zeal, David organized an extravagant worship procession, complete with singers and musicians, to accompany the ark’s journey to Jerusalem. Yet, in his eagerness, he disobeyed God’s precise instructions regarding the ark’s transportation, leading to a tragic incident where a man touched the ark and lost his life. David was initially angry at the Lord but soon realized the gravity of his actions.
This moment of revelation did not deter David; it ignited his longing to host the ark in Jerusalem. He carefully studied the Scriptures, following God’s explicit orders in relocating the ark. This time, the process was accompanied by joyous singing, music, and praise. David, in priestly attire, danced with all his might before the ark, emphasizing that Jerusalem welcomed God as King, not David.
A Radical Shift in Worship
David’s actions set the stage for God to be recognized as the true King of Israel in Jerusalem, as He had always desired. The city, with the ark at its heart, now housed the Divine Presence.
In a radical move, David established an open tent to display the ark. He financed hundreds of singers and musicians to stand before the ark, singing of God’s beauty day and night. This was a pivotal moment in Israel’s history, where singing and worship took center stage. It marked a shift from the traditional Mosaic system of worship to a more dynamic and visually impactful style.
David’s Legacy of Worship
David’s tabernacle demonstrated God’s desire to dwell openly among His people, drawing them closer to Him. It was a profound foreshadowing of the new covenant, where God’s presence would be continually worshiped by both Gentiles and Israelites.
Extravagant Worship
David’s relentless pursuit of God led him to invest a significant portion of his wealth in creating a worship center that emphasized seeing God’s beauty and singing about it. He radically transformed Israel’s worship landscape, expanding the number of singers and musicians in the temple complex.
Inspiration for Today
David’s story serves as a profound inspiration for us. His unwavering pursuit of God, despite his flaws and sins, teaches us that Jesus’ blood invites us to live as priests. We are part of Israel’s story through Jesus, and we are called to share in David’s ache, pursuing God with the same passion and commitment.
Extravagant Worship
Extravagant singing in worship is a reflection of our love for God, as we sing about what we love and cherish. David’s legacy reminds us that singing stirs our affections and moves our hearts. The songs that were born from his deep longing for God’s beauty continue to disciple us, allowing us to see His splendor and embrace our calling as His image bearers among the nations.
Challenge to Worship
As David’s life and Jesus’ sacrifice inspire us, we are reminded of the value of singing and worship in expressing our love for the Lord. David’s pain, his relentless pursuit, and his devotion to God challenge us to examine our own hearts. Are we willing to endure the ache that comes with pursuing God’s presence with the same passion that David did?
David’s Legacy of Inclusion
David’s story also holds a promise for the Gentiles, as his actions, though unconventional, led to God’s presence dwelling among the nations. David’s willingness to embrace the Gentiles in his worship sanctuary symbolizes the spread of the gospel to the ends of the earth. The blessings received by a Gentile like Obed-edom offer a glimpse into God’s unanticipated plan, where those not born into Israel’s heritage can also be blessed by honoring and serving Israel’s God.
A Call to Continue David’s Legacy
As we seek to provoke David’s family to return to his ache, we should reflect on our own response to God’s presence. Are we willing to sing day and night, to fill our towns with extravagant responses to Jesus’ beauty? What would David say to us if he knew we had stopped singing 24/7? His life challenges us to be relentless in our pursuit of God’s beauty and to recognize that worship is not just an individual endeavor but a corporate expression of our desire and adoration.
Expanding the Worship Sanctuary
David’s unwavering pursuit of God and his revolutionary approach to worship continue to inspire us. He laid the foundation for a worship-centered community, where God’s presence was central, and where the beauty of the Lord was proclaimed day and night. David’s story, as seen through the lens of the New Testament, calls us to go beyond his example and expand the worship sanctuary to reach even more hearts with the message of God’s beauty and love.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, David’s relentless pursuit of God challenges us to be passionate worshippers, to sing with extravagant hearts, and to provoke others to join us in the pursuit of God’s beauty. His story reminds us that God’s presence is worth every effort, and that we are called to be like David’s tabernacle, foreshadowing what is to come in the ultimate worship-filled kingdom of God.
A.F.O.S.O.M., an anonymous contributor, involve with MFAM, helping Unreached People Group (Southeast Asia) Believers be connected with other authentic believers and helping to strengthen their faith. A.F.O.S.O.M transitioned from Islam to Christianity when he was 16, he attends a Singapore charismatic church, and writes for ‘Beholding Messiah‘ blog.
This article is my personal notes that I read from the book “Discipleship begins with Beholding” by Samuel Whitefield.
