Just Dance

West End UMC Podcast Audio Podcast

Today’s scripture is from 2 Samuel in which David and his troops transport the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Preaching is Rev. Shannon Baxter, our Pastor of Congregational Connection, and he describes his family’s experiences with Nintendo Wii and how it helped with their joy and celebrating via dancing. In the text for today, at the end of upheaval and struggle between nations, King David dances as the Ark is reclaimed and transported. In this, David is not only celebrating, but he is demonstrating his faith before his people. To some in the crowd, his dancing is vulgar and shameful, but the spirit is animated within David, and this can inform our own faith and worship. First, worship can happen any place and at any time. The presence of God and the shape of our hearts define worship more than the form. David’s act directs the people toward God rather than toward himself. Worship not only changes us, but it changes our relationship with God and with others.