In touch	Check-in	Intercessions
In touch begins immediately below	Scroll down or click for Check-in	Subscribers only: see intercessions

 

Check-in

Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people

Today’s reading tells us that when David danced before the Lord in his ephod, his wife Michal thought he looked half-dressed and stupid. She did not participate in the event. Instead of worshipping God she criticised those who were.

Despite being in power for less than a week, the new government is already being criticised. And, until they won the England-Netherlands Euro 24 semi-final following Gareth Southgate's inspired substitutions in the final minutes of the match, he and the England football team have been criticised for their choices and playing skills during the tournament. As a local preacher in the Methodist church, I am sometimes criticised because the congregation did not enjoy my choice of songs, or worship style.

To criticise is easy - having the courage to step forward and create is more difficult. It took courage for David not to wear his royal robes and to dance in front of God without the status of being king. But David knew who he was dancing for and dancing was his way of worshipping God. Although Michal thought he looked stupid, David knew she was not his audience, God was.

 

Questions for discussion

• Do you worry that non-Christian friends might think worship is stupid?

• Who is the audience of your prayers or worship?

• Does a different audience change how you pray, worship, or even how you live your life?

Victoria Etherington is children’s, youth and family’s ministry leader for the Yorkshire North and East Methodist District.

 

 

In touch

Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues

Our apologies but there isn't an In touch today.

 

Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by ROOTS for Churches Ltd.

The week in focus is also available via Twitter and facebook.

ROOTS publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.