Bible Chapter: I Chronicles 15 & 16

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    King David prepared a place in Jerusalem for the Ark of God.  This ark represented the presence of God.  In this ark they saw God’s power and mercy and the fact that God had provided for them.  David longed for the nation to return to placing God first in their lives and for the nation to return to the relationship with God they once had.  Bringing the ark to Jerusalem showed this.  David was aware of the previous mistakes in transporting the ark back and so this time he made sure they did it the right way.
    This returning of the ark was a major celebration of victory and giving God the worship He deserves.  David told the Levites to sanctify themselves so they could bring the ark back.  They needed to be sure they were separated from anything evil, from anything that offended God.  God’s desire is that all believers live a life separated from active participation in sin.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Giving God the worship He deserves is very important.  We see that David understood this.  The act of returning the ark was not simply a time to move the ark to a new location.  It was a time of worship.  It was a powerful worship service as they sacrificed to the Lord. They gathered all the best musicians and used this music to honor God.  It was a time of great rejoicing.  They worshiped the Lord in the beauty of holiness.  From their hearts that they had sanctified they worshiped the Lord.
    I find the last verse of chapter 17 a powerful illustration of what happens when we really worship the Lord.  David went home to bless his house.  Spending time in God’s presence changes a person for the better and they have a positive impact on those around them.  I wonder what would happen if everyone spent time often really giving God the worship He deserves.  I wonder the changes that would result in the homes where people live.  It would change the world.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people, especially those who are believers in Jesus, to see what worship is.  While worship is a popular topic, I sense that many don’t really understand what it is.  It is not just singing some choruses.  It is focusing on God and bring all the honor and glory to Him.  It is expressing God’s great worth.
1 Chronicles 16:24-25 NKJV  24 Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. 25 For the LORD is great and greatly to be praised; He is also to be feared above all gods.