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I. The
prophet Amos declared that the Tabernacle of David was part of God's
plan of restoration.
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"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
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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.
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"...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.
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