David: God Jealous for Worship

Worship is often a contentious issue. It is also vitally important for God is jealous over his worship. Our worship reflects our attitude to him. It also shapes the way we think of him. When David brought the Ark to Jerusalem it was a defining moment and the way God was worshipped would affect future generations. Hence the shocking punishment meeted out to Uzzah. Michal's attitude also revealed a contempt for God - she put her husband's prestige above the honour due to God. Worship never takes place in isolation, it is part of the godly life. Part of Jesus' quarrel with the Pharisees was that they thought worship would compensate for a loveless life. When we think about our worship we would do well to reflect on what our lives say about our attitude to God. Sometimes we should 'leve our gift at the altar' while we go to our brother for reconciliation.