2 Samuel 6:7
“The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God.”
This is a confusing event. The people were joyfully celebrating the Lord's deliverance that He so clearly gave. Verse 5 is a great description of the scene, "David and all Israel were celebrating with all their might before the Lord, with castanets, harps, lyres, timbrels, sistrums and cymbals." Then Uzzah dies.
Why did this happen? The people's intent was pure, yet God saw it differently. This is difficult for our culture. We rely completely on intent. While God may take this into consideration, He won't if don't try or ignore His attempts to get our attention.
This is a big problem at present. That's why many don't pay God any mind. They know He's loving so they wrongly reason that He will not punish them for their sins. Jesus talked about the masses going the wrong way in Matthew 7:13,14, “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is narrow and the way is constricted that leads to life, and there are few who find it." I am sure many would abandon this path if they knew they were hell bound.
God is holy and He has particular requirements. His focus on the Jews and the covenants and sacrifices were there to teach us that God is loving, but also that sin needs to be dealt with. Hebrews 9:22 says this, "According to the law, in fact, nearly everything must be purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." God is not indifferent about sin and it's consequences. In today's passage, it wasn't about sin, but about coming to God His way.
While David was centuries past Moses, transporting the Ark was to be done a particular way. Priests were to carry it with poles similar to carrying a casket. Sacrifices were to be made at particular distances. They were carrying it by ox and cart, much like a big rig carry a shipping container down the 7 freeway. While convenient it was common.
The message was that God is holy and we are to respect that and do as He says. He wants us to be holy as well. The Ten Commandments are still there to be obeyed. Jesus tells that us to obey them in action as well as in intent.
We in Christ have the benefit of His sacrifice. All the work was done and we've accepted it. That's God's way. What we can do is to be thankful. The way to God is clear and open. The curtain was torn in two.
We can also be His messengers. The world isn't aware of the specificity of the way. Jesus only. It's more than Him as savior, but savior and lord. He will take our burdens and cleanse our sin, but we need to go His way. The world sees Jesus as a suggestion, not a mandate. Today's passage is shocking. Those at the judgement seat will be surprised.
2 Corinthians 5:11 says, "Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade people, but we are well known to God; and I hope that we are also well known in your consciences." We are to persuade people. God will provide opportunities, we are to pray for them as well. "Lord, open their hearts. Give us opportunities."
Thank You Lord that You've died for us and paid or our sins. Help us to see and appreciate Your holiness. Help us to be holy as well. Help us to persuade others to come to You on Your terms.