1 Chronicles 16:28-29 28 Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength! 29 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him! Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;
1 Chronicles 16 recounts an early highpoint in David’s reign. He is now finally able to bring the ark of God to Jerusalem. His attempt three months prior had failed in Uzzah’s tragic death (1 Chron. 13:10). David tried to move the ark by the most obvious pragmatic means – haul it on an ox-driven cart. However, God’s Law had prescribed that it be carried upon Levite shoulders with poles. When Uzzah reached to steady it, he touched it and thereby profaned it’s holiness. God struck him dead immediately. It says that David was afraid of God that day (2 Sam. 6:9).
After three months, David tries again. With Levites and poles (1 Chron. 16:2-3, 12-15), they bring the ark to Jerusalem. David is overwhelmed by God’s mercy in the successful travel. After just six paces, he pauses to offer sacrifices in worship, dancing before the Lord with all his might (2 Sam. 6:13-14)! Earlier, David had been shocked by the “reality-check” of God’s holiness. Now, he is enraptured by the reality of God’s mercy. He sees six paces of sheer grace.
In His joy, David adds a layer of development to the Tabernacle system. The procession of the ark included singers and musicians who worshiped in song as they travelled (1 Chron. 15:16-22). Then, David establishes their permanent role in the Tabernacle (and future Temple) as ministers of music (1 Chron. 16:4-7). The song that David first appointed to them follows (1 Chron. 16:8-34). In verses 28-29 David describes the essence of worship in a summons to Israel, “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name…”
Worship is the primary reason to assemble with one another on Sunday. Above anything else, come to church to worship Jesus! In any way that you serve – do it as worship to Jesus! (1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17; 1 Pet. 4:11). Serve in your ministry – whether formal or informal – to glorify God! He deserves it! He is worthy.
I wonder if we realize just how much grace we’re afforded each day. Were we to meet face-to-face with God’s holiness in judgment – as David had been, and Uzzah had been – I wonder how it would affect our worship. God’s grace truly is ours in abundance through Jesus and His cross (John 1:14-17)! We experience it daily, constantly. David went six paces…we go six days. On Sundays, come ready to ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name. Sing with all your hearts! Give thanks with all your might! This is the priority of worship! May we not just be a good singing church, but a deeply worshiping church.
Thanks! See you Sunday,
Pastor Dave
