“And when those who were carrying the ark of the Lord [by its poles] had gone six paces, he sacrificed an ox and a fatling. And David was dancing before the Lord with great enthusiasm, and David was wearing a linen ephod [a priest’s upper garment].” – 2 Samuel 6:13-14 (AMP)

David was the king anointed by Prophet Samuel at the instruction of God to replace King Saul and he was a man who knew the Lord and lived his life in worship of Yahweh. The personal relationship he had with God informed his lifestyle and the things he did before and after he became king. David understood the importance of giving to God wholeheartedly without holding back.

On an auspicious day, the Ark of the Covenant was to be brought from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David and David did what no other king did for this purpose. The Bible records that David sacrificed oxen and fatted sheep when those bearing the Ark had gone six paces and he even danced with great enthusiasm. He was not just giving burnt offerings to the Lord with animals but he was also dancing with all of his heart. What a king he was.

He knew the importance of sacrificing to God and giving all to him. He wasn’t considering the cost of the animals he was sacrificing. Notice that the number of the animals that he sacrificed were not mentioned and this suggests that the animals he sacrificed were countless. He did this thoughtfully. God is the giver of all things and whatever he sacrificed in worship of this God was just returning to Him what He originally gave.

Dear believer, what is the limit to what you can give to God? Consider how a king danced before God and compare with how many believers and ministers of the Gospel always try to comport themselves and pretend as though it’s a crime to dance before the Creator of Heaven and Earth. Whatever could make a king as noble as he was to dance so before God without feeling ashamed, there shouldn’t be anything stopping you from dancing before God as well. God is not just about your money or whatever it is you’ve got to bring to Him, He also desires your heartfelt thanksgiving.

Reflections: When last have I danced before the Lord with enthusiasm? What limit have I placed on my offerings to God?

Confession: I am as noble as a king and I honour God with all of my nobility unashamedly. I give to God without limits and I rejoice in His presence without reservations. He is my Creator and the One who owns me, therefore I praise His name always.

Related Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:1-19

Bible Reading: John 15