Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

May 11th, 2023 God’s Work, God’s Way by Amanda Olive

Today’s Reading – 1 Chronicles 16 – 18 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers Read – John 15 – 16; Psalms 56 – 60; Proverbs 12)

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 51

Read the “0512 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Read previous posts from this passage – “Check With God First;” and “Taking Time to Rejoice.”

“1 And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader. 2 And David said unto all the congregation of Israel, If it seem good unto you, and that it be of the LORD our God, let us send abroad unto our brethren every where, that are left in all the land of Israel, and with them also to the priests and Levites which are in their cities and suburbs, that they may gather themselves unto us: 3 And let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we enquired not at it in the days of Saul. 4 And all the congregation said that they would do so: for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.” (1 Chronicles 13:1-4)

As soon as I read, “for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people,” I knew things were going to go wrong. With that being said, God is very exact in his word. God made it clear how He wanted the ark moved in Numbers 4:4, 15, 17 – 20. And right from the start David seeks the go ahead from the people rather than seeking the Lord. David wanted to be a good King. We all have it in us to be liked. David was looking for recognition.

“7 And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drave the cart. 8 And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing, and with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, and with cymbals, and with trumpets. 9 And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled. 10 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God.” (1 Chronicles 13:7-10)

God smote him! Wow! Divine Justice. Uzza was probably thinking “grab it, it’s going to fall.” Reading deeper into this passage I realize that everyone in the whole procedure from David on down was guilty of disobeying God’s instructions regarding the most holy things. God’s way requires a working knowledge of Scripture. David was angry at first that the Lord had interfered with his plans. In David’s mind he thought he was doing right. God’s power and holiness made David doubt whether he was worthy to bring the ark to his city. Humility, “the fear of the Lord,” the absence of self.

I continued reading and David, with God’s help, had two victories over the Philistines in chapter 14. Then the ark is finally brought to Jerusalem without any hiccups, because the ark was transported in the proper manner and handled with fitting reverence. It was carried on the shoulders of the Levites, who  themselves were ceremonially cleansed. After the ark arrived, David and the people celebrated the event with sacrifices and feasting.

David was a man after God’s heart. He never blamed others for his mistakes, he didn’t make excuses, and he knew how to repent. We are all wretched sinners, our hearts are deceitful. If we aren’t in our Bible every day seeking and putting God first then we are either trusting in our  own self or seeking man’s approval. Try to stay humble and live for the Lord. God is the One and only One that knows what is best for us all the time. Seek Him! I pray this is a blessing.