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Thousands of people have gotten a good chuckle at the YouTube videos that feature a man dancing in church. He is simply referred to as "Brother Franklin." (I’ve embedded one of the videos in this column just in case you haven’t seen it.) We laugh at his dance antics, and some people think he’s ‘over the top,’ but rather than judge his exuberance, maybe we should applaud his freedom of expression.
He may be a bit unorthodox but where in the Bible does it tell Christians that they shouldn’t have fun and joy unto the Lord? The Bible tells us to "make a joyful noise unto the Lord" (Psalm 100:1). Certainly there should be reverence in the sanctuary, but is his dancing irreverent?
And, as for his dancing: In 2 Samuel 6:14 we read, "And David was dancing before the LORD with all his might, and David was wearing a linen ephod." (NAS) An ephod is a sacred vestment originally designed for and traditionally worn by the high priest.
Of particular note is the fact that Brother Franklin is dancing during the time that the church offering is being given. The Bible provides some direction on giving in 2 Corinthians 9:7, "Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (NAS) Indeed, Brother Franklin is a cheerful giver!
The book of Psalms invites and exhorts God’s children to praise Him. Praise is an external, joyful expression of adoration and appreciation for God, and there are many ways to praise Him.
Some Hebrew words for praise and their meanings are: Towdah means to extend hands upward in adoration; Yadah means to revere or worship with extended hands; Shabach means to address in a loud tone or shout; Zamar means to play musical instruments in praise; Halal means to boast, celebrate, praise; and Tehillah means to sing songs of hymns inspired by God.
Finally, Psalm 150:3-6 reads, "Praise Him with trumpet blasts; praise Him with harps and lyres. Praise Him with tambourines and dancing; praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes. Praise Him with loud cymbals; praise Him with crashing cymbals."
So maybe Brother Franklin got it right. Let’s give him a big AMEN, and a maybe leg kick!
Photo by Monerxz 2007
Comments
Great article and video. Brother Franklin shows the true spirit of giving (and he did put his offering in that basket).
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