1 Chronicles 13:1-14

God is not only concerned with what we do, but He is concerned with how and why we do the things that we do.  The Lord was pleased that David and the congregation had decided to bring the ark of the Lord to Jerusalem.  They seem to be doing this for all of the right reasons and seem to have an excellent spirit of praise and worship as they transport the ark on a cart that they prepared for this purpose.  However, the party is cut short when the ox that was pulling the cart stumbled and Uzzah who was directing the ox put his hand out to steady the ark from falling.  Uzzah is killed by the Lord on the spot and the party is over.  Just because we have good intentions does not mean that the Lord will overlook our disobedience.

GOD REQUIRES COMPLETE OBEDIENCE: I believe that God was pleased with David’s decision to bring the ark to Jerusalem.  I believe that God was pleased with the joy and praise that they group was offering as they moved the ark.  However God was infuriated with their disobedience in placing the ark upon a cart.  God had left clear instruction as to who was to carry the ark and how it was supposed to be carried.  There is no provision for the ark to be placed upon a cart.  It may have made sense from a practical point of view, but God is not really looking for us to be creative or innovative; He is looking for obedience.  Human wisdom may come up with an idea that sounds good to everyone, but our first concern must always be to discern if the idea that we have is biblical.  Too often we live our lives according to what we think is practical as opposed to making sure that we are being biblical.


GOD DESIRES CONTRITE REPENTANCE: When Uzzah is killed, David is filled with the fear of the Lord.  This is the right response; however David becomes angry with the Lord and refuses to continue moving the ark to Jerusalem.  This is the wrong response.  When God disciplines us for our failures to obey Him, we must repent before Him with a contrite heart and not become angry or upset with Him.  God is never wrong.  We must learn to adjust our attitudes and actions in accord with His working in our lives and not respond in the flesh.  David decides to leave the ark at the home of Obed-edom and God graciously prospers this home as a way of giving David incentive to do the right thing.  When God disciplines us, we must be very careful to have the correct attitude and not allow anger or bitterness to set into our hearts.

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