Hands of Worship: Choices, Reverence, and Expression

 

Summary

In my recent sermon, I emphasized the profound significance of our hands and the choices we make in using them. Our hands have the power to heal, as seen in the daily work of medical professionals within our congregation, but they also have the potential to harm. We can choose to use our hands to comfort or to hurt, to help or to hinder. This choice extends to our worship and how we handle the presence of God.

I shared the importance of worship through singing, as the Bible encourages us to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Singing is a form of praise that we can offer regardless of our musical talent. It is an expression of our joy and gratitude for what God has done, and it has the power to bring about a supernatural change in our spirit and body.

Another biblical expression of worship is through dance. I recounted the story of King David, who danced before the Lord with all his might, as described in 2 Samuel 6. David's dance was not just an act of worship but also a demonstration of how to handle the presence of God with reverence. This story teaches us that worship is not about our comfort or preferences but about honoring God with our whole being.

I also highlighted the story of David transporting the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. Initially, David did not handle the Ark according to God's instructions, which resulted in the death of Uzzah. This incident led David to realize the importance of handling God's presence correctly. When he attempted to move the Ark again, he did so with the utmost care, stopping every six paces to offer sacrifices to God. This act of worship was costly and time-consuming, but it was a demonstration of David's commitment to honor God's holiness.

Furthermore, I discussed the role of women in worship, citing Miriam, the prophetess, who led women in dance with timbrels. This example challenges any theology that seeks to limit the expression of worship based on gender.

In conclusion, I called the congregation to be praisers and worshippers who are not afraid to express their love for God through singing and dancing. Worship is a powerful act that requires our full participation and can lead to breakthroughs in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

- Our hands are a metaphor for the choices we make in worship and in life. We can choose to use our hands for healing, helping, and honoring God, or for harm and hindrance. The way we use our hands reflects our heart's posture towards God and others. [01:17:47]

- Singing to the Lord is a powerful form of worship that transcends our vocal abilities. It is an act of obedience and joy that can transform our spirit. When we sing, we join with the chorus of creation in praising the Creator, regardless of where we are or what we are doing. [01:20:35]

- The story of David and the Ark of the Covenant teaches us about the importance of handling God's presence with reverence and according to His instructions. Our approach to worship should be characterized by a deep respect for God's holiness and a willingness to offer Him our best. [01:26:54]

- Worship through dance is a biblical expression that should be embraced. David's dance before the Lord was an act of humility and devotion. We should not let past behaviors or societal expectations hinder our worship. Instead, we should freely express our love for God with our whole body. [01:36:42]

- Women have always played a significant role in worship and leadership within the biblical narrative. Miriam's example as a prophetess and leader in worship challenges any cultural or doctrinal restrictions placed on women in ministry. We must recognize and affirm the gifts and callings of women in the church. [01:34:52]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Samuel 6:14-15 (NIV)
> "Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets."

2. Isaiah 12:5 (NIV)
> "Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world."

3. Exodus 15:20-21 (NIV)
> "Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing. Miriam sang to them: 'Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. What are some ways our hands can be used for both healing and harm, as mentioned in the sermon? [01:17:47]
2. How does the Bible describe David's act of worship when he danced before the Lord? [01:22:30]
3. What was the consequence of mishandling the Ark of the Covenant, and how did David correct this mistake? [01:24:25]
4. How did Miriam and the women express their worship in Exodus 15:20-21?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does David's willingness to stop every six paces to offer sacrifices teach us about the importance of reverence in worship? [01:26:54]
2. How does singing to the Lord, regardless of musical talent, impact our spiritual and physical well-being according to the sermon? [01:21:51]
3. In what ways does Miriam's role as a prophetess and leader in worship challenge traditional views on women's roles in the church? [01:34:52]
4. How can the story of Uzzah's death serve as a warning about the importance of following God's instructions in our worship practices? [01:24:25]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on how you use your hands daily. Are there ways you can be more intentional about using them for healing and helping rather than harm? [01:17:47]
2. Singing is a powerful form of worship. How can you incorporate more singing into your daily routine, even if you don't consider yourself a good singer? [01:21:12]
3. David's dance before the Lord was an act of humility and devotion. Are there any societal expectations or personal inhibitions that hold you back from fully expressing your worship? How can you overcome them? [01:22:30]
4. The story of David and the Ark of the Covenant emphasizes the importance of handling God's presence with reverence. How can you ensure that your approach to worship is characterized by deep respect for God's holiness? [01:26:54]
5. Miriam led the women in worship with timbrels and dance. How can you encourage and support the women in your church to take active roles in worship and leadership? [01:34:52]
6. Think about a time when you may have mishandled a responsibility or task given by God. What steps can you take to correct your approach and honor God more fully in the future? [01:24:25]
7. Worship can lead to breakthroughs in our lives. Can you share a personal experience where worship brought about a significant change or breakthrough for you? How can you make worship a more integral part of your life? [01:21:51]

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Our Hands
Our hands are not just physical tools but symbols of our intentions and actions. They can be instruments of comfort or weapons of harm, and the choices we make with them reflect our innermost attitudes and values. In the context of worship, our hands can be raised in adoration or folded in humble prayer, each gesture signifying a heart posture towards the divine. Outside the sanctuary, our hands continue their ministry in the world through acts of kindness, healing touches, and the work of creation. The way we use our hands can either build up or tear down, and it is a daily decision to choose the former, to be agents of God's love and grace in every interaction and task. [07:40]

"Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!" (Psalm 90:17 ESV)

Reflection: How can you use your hands this week to show God's love to those around you in a tangible way?

Day 2: Singing as an Act of Joyful Obedience
Singing to the Lord is a profound act of worship that goes beyond mere vocal talent. It is a spiritual exercise that aligns our hearts with the heart of God, allowing us to participate in the eternal song of creation. When we lift our voices in praise, regardless of our location or circumstances, we join a divine chorus that transcends time and space. This act of worship is not about performance but about presence, about being fully engaged with the spirit of God and allowing that connection to transform us from the inside out. Singing is an expression of our joy, our struggles, our hope, and our gratitude, and it is a powerful tool in the life of a believer for spiritual warfare and personal edification. [07:40]

"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart," (Ephesians 5:18-19 ESV)

Reflection: What song of praise has been significant in your life, and how can you incorporate it into your daily routine to keep your heart focused on God?

Day 3: Reverence in Handling God's Presence
The story of David and the Ark of the Covenant is a stark reminder of the reverence we must have when approaching the things of God. It teaches us that God's presence is not to be taken lightly or handled in a casual manner. Our worship should be characterized by a deep respect for God's holiness and a willingness to offer Him our best. This means that our approach to worship, whether in community or solitude, should be thoughtful and intentional, recognizing the weight of glory that we are engaging with. The story of Uzzah and the Ark also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of irreverence and the importance of following God's instructions, even when they seem inconvenient or challenging. [07:40]

"But the Lord said to Moses, 'Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.'" (Exodus 3:5 ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence for God's presence in your personal worship and daily life?

Day 4: Embracing Worship with Our Whole Being
David's dance before the Lord was an act of unbridled worship, a physical manifestation of his love and devotion to God. It reminds us that worship is not just a spiritual activity but a holistic one that involves our entire being—body, soul, and spirit. In our own worship, we should not be hindered by self-consciousness or societal expectations but should feel free to express our adoration for God in a manner that is authentic and heartfelt. Whether through dance, raised hands, or other physical expressions, our bodies can participate in the act of worship, making it a more enriching and immersive experience. [07:40]

"Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe!" (Psalm 150:4 ESV)

Reflection: What physical expression of worship have you been holding back from God due to fear of judgment or discomfort, and how can you begin to incorporate it into your worship experience?

Day 5: Affirming Women's Roles in Worship and Leadership
The biblical narrative includes many examples of women who played significant roles in worship and leadership, such as Miriam, who led other women in dance and song. These stories challenge any cultural or doctrinal restrictions that have been placed on women in ministry and worship. It is essential to recognize and affirm the gifts and callings of women in the church, understanding that God's Spirit empowers all believers, regardless of gender, for the work of the kingdom. By embracing the contributions of women, the church can experience a fuller, richer expression of worship and service. [07:40]

"And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing." (Exodus 15:20 ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively support and encourage the women in your church community to exercise their gifts and callings in worship and ministry?

Quotes

"Our hands can heal, we have physicians here, we have nurses and people in the medical field...every day you use your hands to touch somebody to help bring healing to them. We use our hands to heal but hands can also be used to hurt...hands can help...or hands can hinder...how will you use your hands?" [01:17:47]( | | )

"The Bible says in Isaiah 12 sing to the Lord for he has done wonderful things...it's all right to sing to him even if you can't carry a tune in a bucket...the lord loves it, he loves to hear me sing...he wants us to make a joyful sound unto him...one of the best ways you can praise him...is to sing to the Lord because he has done wonderful things." [01:20:35]( | | )

"David danced before the Lord with all of his might...a conservative introvert would say well so what...there's more to the story...the Ark of the Covenant represents the power of the Holy Spirit...David said you know the Ark of the Covenant...we need to bring that back to Jerusalem where it belongs...David danced before the Lord with all of his might." [01:36:42]( | | )

"Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances...Miriam was a leader, a worship leader...then Miriam the prophetess...don't you ever deny it again...I'm just reading the Bible...Miriam was a prophetess...she took the timbrel in her hand and all the women...went out after her with timbrels and with dances." [01:34:52]( | | )

"David said all right we're ready to pull out...we're ready to go...they started walking one, two, three, four, five, six stop...they only went six paces...they stopped and he built an altar and offered oxen and sheep...they went six paces...stop and they stopped again...they offered sacrifices again...every six paces...we're going to handle the presence of God correctly." [01:26:54]( | | )

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Transcript
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