Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death
William MacDonald teaches that a critical and censorious spirit leads to spiritual barrenness, as exemplified by Michal's life, warning believers to embrace joy and avoid destructive criticism.
In this sermon, William MacDonald explores the story of Michal, daughter of Saul, to illustrate how a critical spirit leads to spiritual barrenness. He contrasts constructive criticism with destructive criticism and highlights the importance of joyful worship and acceptance of God's work in others. MacDonald warns believers against censoriousness, showing its damaging effects on individuals and church communities alike.
Text
“Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death.” (2 Sam. 6:23)
David was ecstatic when he brought the ark to Jerusalem and when it was placed in the tent that he had specially prepared for it. Sensing that this was one of his greatest achievements and one of the most glorious moments in his career, the king danced before the Lord with all his might. His wife, Michal, ridiculed him for what she thought was shameful behavior. As a direct result of her critical attitude, she had no child unto the day of her death.
We learn from this that a critical spirit produces barrenness. Of course, when we say that, we are not speaking about constructive criticism. If criticism is true, we should welcome it and benefit from it. There are few friends in life who love us enough to give helpful criticism.
But destructive criticism can be devastating. It can destroy the work of God in someone’s life, and can undo the progress of years in a few minutes.
In the incident involving David, the ark represents Christ and the ark given its place in Jerusalem speaks of Christ enthroned in the human heart. When that happens, the Spirit-filled believer cannot help but express his exuberance and enthusiasm. This often stirs up the hostility of unbelievers and sometimes the scorn of other Christians. But that critical spirit inevitably leads to barrenness.
It can lead to barrenness not only in an individual life but in a local assembly as well. Take, for example, a fellowship where the young people are subjected to a continual torrent of criticism. They are taken to task for the way they dress, for their hair styles, for their public prayers, for their music. Instead of patiently training them, the leadership expects them to be instantly full-grown. Soon the young people drift away to more congenial fellowships, and the assembly is left to die on the vine.
Let us be warned by the example of Michal that censoriousness not only harms its victims but takes its revenge on the one who practices it. That revenge is spiritual barrenness.
Sermon Outline
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I
- David's joyful worship with the ark in Jerusalem
- Michal's critical and mocking response
- The consequence of Michal's critical spirit
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II
- Difference between constructive and destructive criticism
- The damage caused by a critical spirit to God's work
- The ark as a symbol of Christ enthroned in the heart
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III
- The impact of criticism on individuals and assemblies
- Example of youth drifting away due to harsh criticism
- Warning against censoriousness and its spiritual consequences
Key Quotes
“A critical spirit produces barrenness.” — William MacDonald
“Destructive criticism can be devastating. It can destroy the work of God in someone’s life, and can undo the progress of years in a few minutes.” — William MacDonald
“Let us be warned by the example of Michal that censoriousness not only harms its victims but takes its revenge on the one who practices it.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Guard your heart against a critical and censorious attitude that can hinder spiritual growth.
- Embrace joyful worship and celebrate God's work in others without ridicule.
- Encourage and patiently train younger believers rather than harshly criticizing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Michal's barrenness symbolize?
Michal's barrenness symbolizes the spiritual fruitlessness that results from a critical and censorious spirit.
Is all criticism harmful according to the sermon?
No, constructive criticism is valuable and should be welcomed, but destructive criticism leads to spiritual harm.
How does the ark represent Christ in this sermon?
The ark represents Christ, and its placement in Jerusalem symbolizes Christ enthroned in the believer's heart.
What is the main warning from Michal's example?
The main warning is that a critical spirit harms both others and oneself, resulting in spiritual barrenness.
How can criticism affect a church assembly?
Harsh criticism can drive away young people and cause the assembly to lose vitality and die spiritually.