Then David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet. 2 Samuel 6:14, 15 (NKJV)

David’s worship that day was extravagant. He was criticized by his wife, in so many words, for making a fool of himself. But his answer to her was, “It was before the Lord…therefore I will play music before the Lord. And I will be even more undignified than this, and will be humble in my own sight.” 2 Samuel 6:21,22 (NKJV)

David’s extravagant worship went beyond being concerned about what others might think of him. It wasn’t about them, it was unto the Lord.

Another example of extravagant worship is found in John 12. Jesus came to Bethany six days before the Passover. They made Him a supper there. Martha was serving and Lazarus was reclining at the table with Jesus—but Mary was offering extravagant worship to the Lord.

Verse three tells us that “Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” The story goes on to say that Judas Iscariot criticized her by asking why this perfume was not sold and given to the poor. The following verses make it clear that Judas was not concerned about the poor, but was a thief who pilfered the money box that was in his charge.

Jesus replied, “Let her alone, that she may keep it for the day of my burial. For you always have the poor with you but you do not always have me.” John 12:7,8 (NASB)

Extravagance is often looked upon as too much, or as lacking restraint. Our extravagant worship may be viewed by some as unnecessary or over the top. But is it? Of course not, because He deserves it.

Can you imagine the heart of David as he danced before the Lord, or the tender devotion of Mary as she anointed Christ’s feet with oil and wiped them with her hair? Extravagant? Yes! Unrestrained? Yes! But not “too much”— because He is worthy —of our extravagant worship.