Return of the Real King

Saul - Keep God at a Distance

Saul Neglects the Ark

Ark left at home of Abinadab in I Samuel 7, 70 years pass

Saul accepts kingship from God, but doesn’t seek or submit to God after initial burst of enthusiasm.

Saul’s insecurity in his reign comes from not knowing that God has his back.

David - Wants God Close

Attempt #1

David organizes movement of ark to new capital, Jerusalem.

Disaster strikes on route because he doesn’t take God’s holiness seriously enough (2 Sm 6:1-9)

He fears and leaves ark in possession of Obed-edom (2 Sm 6:10-11)

God blesses Obed-edom to show David his desire to be close to God is good, but he needs to follow the prescribed rules

God wants to be with David (a symbol for his people) and is inviting David to come close

Attempt #2

David moves ark according to law

For David, God’s entry to his capital is intense worship

David’s worship shows he’s not concerned with appearances - he’s just exultant in God

David doesn’t hold himself separate from the people - he revels with the common people - mirrors the coming Jesus

Michal’s Scorn

Michal accuses him of dancing half naked. Not true - but he sheds his royal robes, so this is undignified in her eyes

She represents her Father’s thinking - he saw more power for God as less power for him.

David understands that he serves God - perhaps why he uses word prince here instead of king

Bringing God into our own Lives

Just as God wants to be with David, so he wants to be with us

Do we want him close, or do we want to accept his blessing, but retain control

If we want to live with God do we take his holiness seriously?

If so, God is pleased to live with and bless us