My wife and I have been married for 16 years. But, to my own embarrassment, there have been times when I’ve taken her for granted. I’ve been so familiar with her presence that I’ve been insensitive to her needs and wants.
Just as it’s not healthy to take our spouses for granted, King David would say it’s not healthy to take God for granted. Desiring to unite the nation spiritually, David went to retrieve the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim, where it had been located for over 25 years. They transported the ark on a new cart (2 Samuel 6:3). It must have been classy and convenient. But as they transported the precious piece, the oxen stumbled, and a man named Uzzah reached out—with good intentions— to stabilize the ark. And when he touched it, God’s judgment broke out against him and he died (v.7).
David became angry and afraid of God, and he decided to abandon the mission (v.10). Could it be that God had responded with such drastic measures because David had taken Him for granted? Had the king ignored God’s standards (Numbers 4:15,20; Deuteronomy 10:8) or failed to inquire how he should transport the ark? David assumed he knew what God would approve. In this failure, David had begun to trifle with God’s holiness.
This dramatic episode presents some vital truths:
(1) We must revere God and never attempt to manipulate Him. This narrative reveals how God feels about placing our preferences ahead of His purposes.
(2) Obedience to God’s specific will is more important than good intentions. Coming close to doing God’s will is not enough.
Let’s pay close attention to our relationship with God, not allowing privilege to become presumption. May we approach Him with awe and according to His revealed will!
More:
• Exodus 3:1-6
• Isaiah 6:1-8
Next:
In what ways have you trifled with God’s holiness? What do you need to change in order to approach God with a greater sense of awe and reverence? How has your obedience led to blessings and freedom?
unclegene on August 16, 2010 at 10:30 am
Sometimes it is hard to understand why God does or allows hurtful things to happen. But what a great message this is in showing that God’s thoughts are so much greater then our thoughts. The vital truths presented are soooo important. Thanks Marvin
Tyla808 on August 16, 2010 at 4:22 pm
Thank you for today’s meditation…I’m still reflecting and taking personal inventory.
I like the 2 points you’ve made:
(1) We must revere God and never attempt to manipulate Him. This narrative reveals how God feels about placing our preferences ahead of His purposes.
(2) Obedience to God’s specific will is more important than good intentions. Coming close to doing God’s will is not enough.
“…MY preferences ahead of HIS purposes.” When I think back over the recent months…there have been several occasions where I did things my way, not really checking if it was a part of God’s overall purpose and its no wonder why things fell through.
“Obedience to God’s will is MORE important than good intentions…” This is a good question to ask oneself as a gauge to see if I am being obedient or I’m doing a “good intention” – most of the time you’d be surprised how many good intentions you can have throughout the day…but in the end a “good intention” doesn’t necessarily make it “right” and in obedience to God’s will.
Thank you for this much needed reminder!