Undignified, It's A Good Thing

456 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from: 2Sa 6:20-22, “Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, and said, "How glorious was the king of Israel today, uncovering himself today in the eyes of the maids of his servants, as one of the base fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!" 21 So David said to Michal, "It was before the LORD, who chose me instead of your father and all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the LORD, over Israel. Therefore I will play music before the LORD. 22 "And I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight. But as for the maidservants of whom you have spoken, by them I will be held in honor." (2 Sam 6:20-23) Two different perspectives here. Michal sees an undignified display put on by someone who is suppose to be the king. David sees it as a show of humility. David tells Michal that his outward display of shedding his kingly garments and dancing in the procession of the ark was meant only as an expression of joy and gratitude for the Lord who had appointed him ruler over Israel. The New King James Version of the Bible takes some liberty here in its choice of words. It says that David will “play music” but the word “play” in the King James, stands alone, and it means to laugh or rejoice. Friends, this is unbridled joy, not excluding being displayed in music, but not restricted to it either. Then in another poor choice of words, we see the term “undignified.” The word actually means to be light, with the idea of having less weight or importance. The connection to humility is obvious, and it matches up with the cliché we often hear, “More Jesus, less of me.” It also matches up well with the spiritual truth that Jesus shared with His disciples in Lu 14:11 "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." David was merely saying that as he continues to lighten his opinion of himself, others, (the maidens in this case) will have a higher view of him. This is a simple fact of life, and one that we would all do well to emulate. God's grace comes to the humble, and His grace elevates every situation. Father, help me to not think more highly of myself than I ought. Give me that spirit of humility that opens the floodgates of Your grace.