David was afraid of the Lord and said, “Should I really take the sacred chest to my city?”
Observation
The Ark of the covenant had been taken from Israel in the time of the Judges. The Philistines captured it in battle because they were convinced of its power to help Israel in battle. They discovered that it was a curse to them and they loaded it onto an ox cart and sent it over the border to Kiriath-Jearim where it stayed for some time. Now David was wanting to bring it back to his new capital city.
Uzzah, seeing that the Ark was about to fall off the cart, reaches out to steady it and is instantly killed. David wonders if the Ark is more trouble than it is worth and leaves it there. But word comes that the man looking after it is being greatly blessed so David determines to bring it to Jerusalem.
And so amongst sacrifice and exuberance, the Ark comes to Jerusalem.
Application
Coming into the presence of God in an improper way is always dangerous.
The ark should not have been on a cart. The Law stated that it had to be carried on poles, by people only. Uzzah, while acting with good intentions, should not have touched the holy thing.
The power of the presence of God is a scary thing. We must always ensure that our hearts are right before we worship God.
Those who dare to handle the holy things- the Word, the sacraments, spiritual gifts- must especially be clean before God.
Why are pastors, priests and evangelists so prone to moral implosions? Because they dare to come into God's presence with unclean hearts.
Prayer
Father, it is a fearful thing to enter into your presence. Forgive me for the times I treat worship as something unimportant. Let me always enter your presence with a healthy respect for your holiness as well as for your grace. Amen.
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