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The Way
by Kevin Pauley
"Don't handle, don't taste, don't touch"? All these regulations refer to what is destroyed by being used up; they are human commands and doctrines. Although these have a reputation of wisdom by promoting ascetic practices, humility, and severe treatment of the body, they are not of any value against fleshly indulgence. - Colossians 2:21-23 HCSB
There once was a poor man whose job was being the king’s janitor. The work was considered by most to be physically demanding and tedious. However, this man was known for whistling cheerful tunes as he swept. He would sometimes even dance from room to room!
When asked about his odd behavior, he seemed a trifle surprised. “Why shouldn’t I be joyful?” he asked. “Don’t I get to be in the presence of the King? Don’t I have the opportunity to see the splendors of His majesty every day?”
People, unfortunately, perceive religion as a deadening list of dos and don’ts - countless rules, regulations and restrictions. Their mistaken view of piety leads them to try to be stiff, stuffy and positively boring! However, the Ransomed live with the truth that regardless of what work they must do, they get to be with the King every day of their lives and enjoy the splendors of His majesty! They strive to let every moment be characterized by gratitude and joy. They may even occasionally dance!
There is a time and a place for everything. If we dance, we should be sure that we do it at an appropriate time, an appropriate place, in an appropriate manner and for the appropriate reasons.[1]
Dancing is an appropriate response to great victory.[2]Israel danced when Pharaoh’s armies drowned in the Red Sea, when Jephthah subdued the Ammonites and when David killed Goliath. However, what greater victory could there be than the one the Ransomed celebrate over their Messiah’s victory? The ladies of
Dancing is appropriate to praise and worship. Those who condemn the practice of dancing should be very careful. David’s wife, Michal, despised David for dancing as he worshipped Hashem, but God judged her for it and she was barren for the rest of her life.[3]
It is appropriate to dance when a lost one finds his way home.[4] After telling us of the great joy that erupts in heaven when a lost soul finds its way home, the Master went on to illustrate that process of acknowledgment, confession, repentance, restitution and restoration with the story of the Prodigal. That story ended in feasting, singing and dancing. Again I ask, “Who has more to celebrate than the Ransomed in this regard?” It is only right that we should respond to God’s forgiveness and grace with joyful dancing.[5]
That is why the Psalmist repeatedly encourages us to dance in celebration of God’s forgiveness and our return to the Father’s household. It is right that we should sing, dance and clap in joy over the Son’s great victory over death and sin[6] - even if we are only janitors!
[2] Exodus 15:19-20; Judges 11:33-34; 1 Samuel 18:6-7
Kevin Pauley is a pastor and writer. He lives in Illinois with his wife, Lynn, their five children and two dogs. His internet address is Berea.
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