Royston First United Methodist Church

“…sanctify yourselves, you and your kindred, so that you may bring up the ark of the Lord, the God of Israel, to the place that I have prepared for it.” – 1 Chronicles 15:12

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Chronicles 15-16, Proverbs 8

I have always LOVED the story of David bringing the ark into Jerusalem (although I am a little biased to the “undignified” version told in 2 Samuel 6). For twenty years, the ark has been separated from the people of Israel. When David is made king, one of his first acts is to bring the ark to Jerusalem so that the political central point and spiritual central point for Israel and Judah will be in Jerusalem.

The journey to bring the ark to Jerusalem is difficult, and even costs Uzzah his life. But as the ark arrives in Jerusalem, David spared no expense to celebrate its arrival. Preparations were made — including a special tent that David placed for the ark. David appointed dancers and musicians to lead in the festivities. There were sacrifices made and lots of dancing. It was a glorious celebration! The ark of the covenant (the visual reminder of God’s presence with theIsraelites) had been returned and restored in its proper place among theIsraelites.

How do we celebrate God’s presence among us today? Is there dancing? Are there loud trumpets and musicians dancing in the streets? Perhaps we should be more intentional and thoughtful — like David — in how we celebrate thepresence of God among us today.

This weekend, we will talk more about David bringing the ark into Jerusalem and the joyous celebration that ensued during our virtual worship. We will also celebrate those special women who have been our mothers (and mother figures) this Sunday. It’s going to be a great weekend! Have an amazing weekend and I look forward to being with you in virtual worship beginning at 10:15 AM this Sunday!

Grace and peace,
Matt

P.S. On Sunday, May 17, we will be observing a Sabbatical Sunday for a time of renewal and rest. I have been proud of our staff who have worked hard to ensure that we stay connected during this time, and I have seen many of them go above and beyond what we have asked of them. With the blessing of our Leadership Team, we are giving our staff some time off next week to rest. This will also be a time for renewal as we prepare for the reopening of our church campus in June. We will still have a virtual worship service on May 17 that will feature some archived videos of our band and choir. We will also have a special message for you from our District Superintendent (and former pastor), Dr. Brian Clark. Please be in prayer for our staff next week as they recharge their batteries and refresh their souls. I am proud of them and I consider it a great joy to be in ministry with each of them at this AMAZING church!