David said unto Michal, It was before the Lord, which chose me before thy father.
David dancing before the ark because of his election
I What effect had this doctrine, this experience, this inward conviction upon David?
I. It made God the leading thought with David.
1. This was especially the case with David in his devotion. David that day worshipped God in spirit and in truth. The effect of this truth upon David was also that, as the Lord had become the great influence of his life, and the great object of his adoration, so he was to him his supreme Lord.
II. Secondly, it will create in us a proper disregard for human opinion.
1. In his worship David did not allow the opinions of men to weigh with him. He worshipped “before the Lord,” and there he left it.
2. He does not seek honour from the many. David sought not the honour which cometh from men.
3. David did not even consult the judgment of the few.
4. Beloved, the doctrines of grace put the very idea of honouring man out of court with us.
III. Then, thirdly, a sense of election causes a low opinion of self. David said, “I will yet be more vile than thus, and will be base in mine own sight.” David would more and more abase himself before the Lord. A sense of electing love will render you base in your own sight. I will tell you why.
1. First, you will never understand why the Lord has chosen you. Often will you sing:
“What was there in me that could merit esteem,
Or give the Creator delight?
’Twas even so, Father, I ever must sing,
‘Because it seem’d good in thy sight.’”
2. I dare say David, in a few quick thoughts, reviewed his former estate.
3. Then the king recollected the dangers and troubles he had experienced.
4. David’s high position must have made him feel lowly when he knew to whom he owed it all. All the while David had a deep sense of his personal unworthiness. He did not know his own heart fully--no man does so. But he knew enough of himself to make him base in his own sight; for he could never think himself worthy of the choice of God, and all that it involved. Our heart adores and wonders as we think of the election of God. As we rise in the assurance of the Divine choice, we sink in our valuation of ourselves.
IV. A sense of Divine election fosters a feeling of holy brotherhood. It is wonderful how democratic the doctrines of grace are, and how aristocratic they are too. The chosen are all kings, and when we mix with the poorest of them we are kings with kings. Free grace strips the proud, but it adorns the humble. David honoured the humblest of the Lord’s chosen; for when Michal talked about what the handmaids of his servants would say, he answered, “Of the maid-servants which thou hast spoken of, of them shall I be had in honour.” To be esteemed by them was a cheer to him.
V. A sense of being chosen of God stirs a desire for the service of God.
1. Such service will be personal.
2. This personal service will be cheerful.
3. This service will be in connection with the great sacrifice.
4. This service should be thoughtful.
5. This service must be obedient.
6. This service should be practical.
7. This service must be seen at home.
If you are chosen of God you will, like David, bless your household. You will long to see your sons and daughters brought to God.
VI. A sense of Divine election will excite sacred enthusiasm.
1. David had an inward delight in God. God was his exceeding joy.
2. In David’s case his inward peace boiled over in holy excitement. Before the ark he was singing, he was harping, he was worshipping, and at last must show it by the joyful motion of his body.
3. David felt so exultant that he wished everybody to know of his joy in God. He told all the crowd around of his delight in God; and he sang that day, “Declare His glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.” (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Irrepressible praisefulness
Once robbers besieged a monastery to rob it of its treasures. The monks carried the golden organ to a river near by, and sunk it in the water to keep it from the robbers’ hands. At certain periods, so the legend runs, the organ would rise out of the river and give forth such ravishing music as was never elsewhere heard by mortal ears. Such an instrument is a truly thankful heart--one in which is the joy of the Lord. The floods may go over it, but it ever rises out of them and sings its sweetest songs. Nothing can ever check its praise. It sings in the darkest night, its music rolling out into the gloom to cheer the weary pilgrim. A thankful heart always finds something good, even when all things seem evil.
When to shout “Glory”
Billy Bray, the Cornish preacher, was a constant visitor among the sick and dying. On one occasion he was sitting by the beside of a Christian brother who had been always very reticent, and afraid to confess joyously his faith in Christ. Now, however, he wast filled with gladness. Turning to Billy, whose beaming face and sunny words had done so much to produce this joy, he said, “Oh, Mr. Bray, I’m so happy that, if I had the power, I’d shout ‘Glory!’” “Hae, mon,” said Billy, “what a pity it was thee didn’t shout ‘Glory!’ when thee hadst the power!”
Reasonableness of religious zeal
Inthe Natural History Museum at Central Park, New York, a valuable butterfly may be seen. It is estimated that the insect cost its former owner, a Pennsylvanian doctor, at least £2,000. The butterfly is to be found only in a certain part of West Africa, and the gentleman fitted out an expedition and maintained it for more than two years, in order that the rare insect might be added to his entomological collection. If such zeal is shown by one who desires to secure a butterfly, is it to be wondered at that Christians at times display an unusual enthusiasm? Ought they not rather to do so more widely and frequently, when the glory of God and the salvation of never-dying souls are at stake?
