1 Chronicles 15 Devotional

Carried the Way God Said

“And because God helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams.”1 Chronicles 15:26 (BSB)

When David tries again to bring the ark to Jerusalem, he starts with the word of God. No one but the Levites may carry the ark, because the LORD chose them for it (15:2). He tells the Levite leaders plainly why the first attempt failed: they had not consulted the LORD about the proper order (15:13). So the priests and Levites consecrate themselves and carry the ark on their shoulders with poles, as Moses commanded (15:15).

What follows is not grim caution. Singers are appointed with harps, lyres and cymbals, and all Israel brings the ark up with shouting and trumpets (15:16, 15:28). One small phrase says the most: God helped the Levites who carried the ark (15:26). The obedience was theirs, but the help was his. Only Michal, watching from a window, despises the king's dancing (15:29). Jesus said that God's worshipers must worship him in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). Worship shaped by what God has said does not shrink joy. It is where he gives his help.

To think about: How might paying closer attention to what God has said about worship deepen your joy in him rather than dampen it?