"Joy in the Lord" ** a sermon for Proper 10 B, Year B, 14 July 2024**

II Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 + Psalm 24 + Ephesians 1:3-14 + Mark 6:14-9

            What gets you singing and dancing?  You know?  You get so caught up in the moment and let yourself get carried away?  Perhaps it is listening to music as you do laundry or housework.  Maybe it is when your favorite song comes on in the car.  Next thing you know, there you are, singing and beebopping.

            My oldest nephew, Michael, loved to dance in his car seat when he was little.  There was one song especially that would get him going.  Michael knew one song in particular.  Just the first few notes would be enough.  He knew THE song was on.  And he’d start moving and beebopping.  "Middle of the Nigh!” he’d call from the back seat.

            King David gets dancing and grooving in the Hebrew Scripture lesson this morning.  I mean, David is totally in the zone and cutting loose!  He is dancing like no one is watching!  This is the celebration of all celebrations.  The Ark of the Covenant is finally heading home.  There is much singing and dancing to mark this special occasion.

            Here we need to recall how important the Ark of the Covenant, or simply the Ark, is to God’s people Israel.  The Ark is an elaborate wooden box, overlain with gold.  God’s presence among the people is symbolized by the Ark.  Inside of the Ark are the tablets of the Ten Commandments a jar of manna, and Aaron’s staff.

            In I Samuel 4, the Ark is captured by the Philistines.  The Philistines take the Ark into captivity.  Bad things start to happen as a result (boils and rats, to be exact).  So, the Philistines send the Ark back home.  However, the Ark only makes it part way home.  The Ark stays with Abinadab and his family for twenty years (I Samuel 7:1-2).  Abinadab and his family are greatly blessed by the Ark's presence.

            David, in our reading today, moves the Ark finally to Jerusalem.  This is actually David's second attempt.  At long last, the Ark of God dwells in the midst of God’s people.  This not only solidifies David’s position as King of Judah and Israel.  Moving the Ark to the capital city also makes Jerusalem both the political and religious center for the people.  A festive atmosphere marks the grand return.

            There is much pomp and fanfare to welcome the Ark to Jerusalem.  The people gather in large crowds as if to watch a Fourth of July parade.  David finds himself caught up in the moment!  The king dances with reckless abandon at the head of the parade.  Much to the disgust of Michal, David’s wife and daughter of David’s predecessor, King Saul.

            David’s attitude shows us the heart of what it means to worship.  Worship is about singing and praising God.  When Michal criticizes David, David basically tells her, “I don’t care what people think.  I was not dancing for the benefit of the crowds.  It is about honoring and giving glory to God.”  In that moment, David’s heart is pure and totally God-focused.  David is rejoicing in finding joy in God's love and faithfulness.

            Now, I know right now it is hard to sing and dance.  We are- and have been- in challenging times.  The last four years have been filled with often bleak circumstances.  Many countries are at war, internally and from without.  Gun violence is devastating families and communities.  Our country, our world, and even families are deeply divided.

            So how do we find the joy in life?  How can we get to the place where we want to sing and dance?  Where we can rejoice in God's faithfulness and love?

·         Perhaps you and I can develop the practice of intentionally looking for the joy.  The beauty to be found in a sunset.  The thrill of fresh produce from our garden.

·         Maybe it is spending more time outdoors- as the heat permits.  Watching the birds take flight and soar in the air.  Noticing the bunnies and groundhogs as we walk.

·         Or taking time to be intentional about doing the things that bring us joy.  Reading a good book on the porch.  Enjoying time over an iced coffee with a friend.

In those moments when we feel discouraged or disheartened, I invite us to remember those times when we did find joy.  To remember them and hold on to them.  To let those times fill our hearts, our minds, and our souls.  To bring us joy and peace in the Lord's love ad faithfulness.