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| The
Tabernacle of David: The Church's Model for Glorious
Praise |
| Bob
Johnson |
I.
The prophet Amos declared that the Tabernacle of David
was part of God's plan of restoration.
| "In
that day I will restore David's fallen tent
(tabernacle). I will repair its broken places,
restore its ruins and build it as it used
to be, so that they may possess the remnant
of Edom and all the nations that bear my name."
Amos 9:11-13 |
II.
The apostle James and the eldership of the early church
interpreted this prophecy of Amos (concerning the
restoration of David's Tabernacle) as being fulfilled
in the church.
| "...James
spoke up: "Brothers listen to me. Simon has
described to us how God at first showed his
concern by taking from the Gentiles a people
for himself. The words of the prophets are
in agreement with this, as it is written:
"After this I will return and rebuild David's
fallen tent (tabernacle). Its ruins I will
rebuild, and I will restore it, that the
remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all
the Gentiles who bear my name, says the
Lord, who does these things that have been
known for ages. " Acts 15:13-18
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III.
If the Tabernacle of David finds it's fulfillment
in the Church, then the worship of David's Tabernacle
is a model for the Church's worship.
A.
The Old Testament types and shadows point to Jesus
and his church, and give us deeper insight and appreciation
for God's eternal purposes. "The New is in the
Old contained... the Old is in the new explained."
B.
The Tabernacle of David is the major type for worship
found in the Bible.
1.
The worship of David's Tabernacle is based on
Heaven's worship.
2.
The worship of the Tabernacle of David is described
in great detail in scripture. The majority of
the Psalms were birthed in David's Tabernacle.
3.
Even after David's time, Davidic worship reappeared
in every subsequent revival mentioned in the Old
Testament
a.
Abijah - II Chronicles 13: 14-15
b.
Asa - II Chronicles 15:12-15
c.
Jehoshaphat - II Chronicles 20:18-22
d.
Joash - II Chronicles 23:12-15
e. Hezekiah - II Chronicles 29: 25-30
f. Josiah - II Chronicles 35:15
g.
Zerubbabel - Ezra 2:65, Ezra 3:10-13
h.
Nehemiah - Nehemiah 12:27,36,45-46
C.
Davidic worship was practiced by the early Church.
The worship of the Psalms is encouraged by Paul
(Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16) and James (Jam.
5:13). The writer of Hebrews admonishes Christians
to offer the sacrifice of praise (Heb. 13:15),
a revelation received earlier by David (Ps. 51:15-16,
Ps. 69:30-31).
D.
Davidic worship has been part of the great revivals
of Church history.
IV. The worship of David's Tabernacle (I Chronicles
15 - 16:38)
A.
There was a due order (prescribed way) in
which the people were to worship God (v. 13), and
this order was commanded in accordance with the
word of the Lord (v. 15).
B.
David prepared a place for the ark ( v. 1).
We are to prepare ourselves to minister to the Lord,
developing our spiritual sensitivity as well as
our artistic ability
C.
Only the Levites were to carry the ark (v. 2); and
the Levites were to sanctify themselves (v.
12). Levi means joined and speaks
of loyalty. Only those who are joined to
the Lord Jesus and His church should minister in
worship leadership. This faithfulness to God and
His church requires us to daily sanctify ourselves
by putting off the works of the flesh and putting
on the garments of righteousness and praise. This
applies to both congregational and appointed worshippers.
D.
The Levites were appointed to their place of ministry
(v. 16) and submitted to skillful leadership to
learn their art (v. 22). There was no haphazardness
to the ministry of worship at David's Tabernacle.
Once the basic spiritual requirements had been met,
skilled Levites were chosen to minister in worship
leadership. These Levites participated in rigorous
systematic training to learn their craft and were
specifically appointed to their positions. These
verses underscore the necessity of a regular, disciplined
rehearsal schedule for those appointed to lead in
worship.
E.
Later on, we see both the Levites and the congregation
praising God with joyful songs (v. 16) and
rejoicing (v. 25). One of the results of a heart
on fire for God are expressions of exuberant praise.
©
2005 ZionSong Ministries. All rights reserved.
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