“Then David again gathered all the elite troops in Israel, 30,000 in all. 2 He led them to Baalah of Judah to bring back the Ark of God, which bears the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, who is enthroned between the cherubim. 3 They placed the Ark of God on a new cart and brought it from Abinadab’s house, which was on a hill. Uzzah and Ahio, Abinadab’s sons, were guiding the cart 4 that carried the Ark of God. Ahio walked in front of the Ark. 5 David and all the people of Israel were celebrating before the Lord, singing songs and playing all kinds of musical instruments—lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets, and cymbals. 6 But when they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand and steadied the Ark of God. 7 Then the Lord’s anger was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him dead because of this.” 2 Samuel 6:1-6 NLT
“Then David and all Israel went to Baalah of Judah (also called Kiriath-jearim) to bring back the Ark of God, which bears the name of the Lord who is enthroned between the cherubim. 7 They placed the Ark of God on a new cart and brought it from Abinadab’s house. Uzzah and Ahio were guiding the cart. 8 David and all Israel were celebrating before God with all their might, singing songs and playing all kinds of musical instruments—lyres, harps, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets. 9 But when they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the Ark. 10 Then the Lord’s anger was aroused against Uzzah, and he struck him dead because he had laid his hand on the Ark.” 1 Chronicles 13:6-10 NLT
God of history,
Here we see history through the eyes of Samuel, well up to the point he dies and then other prophets continue. We also see the same history written by those getting history down in Chronicles. And we see the one getting the spiritual points down clearly and the other more concerned with the order and details of events. Sometimes they are almost identical but Samuel notes the position and name of all those he would be very familiar with.
A new cart, praise and worship, godly men. Well meaning, trying to do the right thing. But they had long forgotten that there were poles and pole holes for the Ark. Ignorance did not get Uzzah forgiveness. The law was that no-one should touch or look in the Ark. Their obedience and reverence did not go far enough.
I know that we can go to You through Jesus for forgiveness when we have done something wrong out of ignorance. We can even come to You when we know we are guilty and confess and receive mercy. But do we need to also embrace reverence? Not just a token bow but a wholehearted, holy respect for who You are? Not in false humility but acknowledging that You are the great I AM. We are called to follow You.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Saturday 3rd May 2025
From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creations revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming
Indescribable, uncontainable
You placed the stars in the sky
And You know them by name
You are amazing, God
All powerful, untameable
Awestruck, we fall to our knees
As we humbly proclaim
You are amazing, God
Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go?
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light?
Yet, conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom
Chorus Twice
Indescribable, uncontainable
You placed the stars in the sky
And You know them by name
You are amazing, God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart
And You love me the same
You are amazing, God
You are amazing, God
Lyrics: Laura Mixon Story