“…And Michal…said, how glorious was the king of Israel today, who uncovered himself today in the eyes of the handmaids…And David said unto Michal, it was before the Lord….” (2 Samuel 6.20-22.)
Introduction. You will recall that God killed Uzzah for touching the ark that was being improperly carried. Terror seized the minds of all. Three months later we see David dancing before the Lord in a linen ephod after the ark is carried safely. Passing by his house, he is accused of immodesty by his wife. David, not easily angered usually, is provoked, and the Lord strikes Michal with the worst curse an Eastern woman could know—she goes childless to the day of her death. Here is a lesson. David’s joy was on the threshold of grief. Up hill and down hill is the way to heaven.
(1) David’s Trouble. It came from where it should have been least expected. The chief joy of our heart is often the means of causing us the most pain. The children of this world never did understand the children of the next, and never will. There must be conflicts while there are two natures in the world and two sorts of men. Natural affections are like delicate nerves that cannot be injured without causing a severe sensation. David might recollect that in his worst times, Michal had forgotten him. But he must recall, too, that she saved his life once. The delight of his heart became the foe of his spirit. Happy are the husband and wife who help each other on the path to heaven. When it is otherwise, as with some of you, that is a sore trial. It is curious that when men are going to hell no one will stop them. Get the dog out of his way! But here comes one who wants to go to heaven. Block his path; throw stones in front of him! Good people are employed by Satan to obstruct our way. They do not know any better.
(2) David’s Justification. David’s justification was God’s election of him. God had chosen him before Michal’s father, Saul. Being lifted up, he stooped to praise and dance with common people. The Christian might be considered enthusiastic. But he has reason to be, for he is forgiven and blessed. Michal would act the same way if she felt as we feel. Be a missionary to the heathen? This is not extravagant for one who has been accepted in the Beloved. Ministers like Whitefield and Wesley, because they knew their calling, were not afraid to dance like David and degrade their clerical character by preaching in lowly places. They chose to suffer for the sake of Christ rather than reign without him. If you do not feel that God has done great things for you, then shun the cross. Tell Michal you are sorry you displeased her. Some of you are ready to object. Sovereign grace has made you give up the pipe and the beer for the Bible and prayer.
(3) David’s Resolution. May God grant your resolution to be like David’s. If it be vile to serve Christ, serve him even more. An old writer says that in the old days they ate out of oaken bowls, and then they had oaken men. Now we have willow men who can bend every which way. Stand up for every grain of truth. Remember your forefathers: the Baptists, Waldenses, etc. Will you be cowardly sons of heroic fathers? If you are not called to suffer as a martyr, bear the spirit of one. If division happens in your family, be sure it is for faith and not fault. Never blush to suffer for Jesus’ sake. Let your adversary be the hammer. You be the anvil the hammer is broken upon. You may be a flower grown in a conservatory. Pray for those who have to be outside in the frost. This text has a warning for scoffers, hypocrites, and empty professors.
Selection from Conclusion. “Brethren and sisters in the Lord, ‘stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, in nothing terrified by your adversaries…Amen.’”
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