I Chronicles 13:9,10
“When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, because the oxen nearly overturned it. But the anger of the LORD burned against Uzza, so He struck him because he had put out his hand toward the ark; and he died there before God.”
This was quite the contrast from our last entry in Chronicles. They were jubilantly bringing ark back. They were starting of David’s reign with a refocus on God. Then this.
Why did this happen? They were completely sincere in their actions. True, but sincerity isn’t enough. God gave them the prescribed way to transport the ark. It’s to be done by priests carrying it by poles. Animal sacrifice was also to be included. While God very much appreciates sincerity, He mandates obedience.
Jesus said in John 4:24, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” The words “in truth” refers to worshipping in ways that don’t contradict Him. Today’s verse demonstrates a way that is contrary to the way (Numbers 4:15).
We don’t have an ark today. How might this apply to us? The first rule is that we access God through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). This rules out all religions except christianity. The Ten Commandments still stand and are to be obeyed. Not to gain God’s approval, but they are His rules that still apply. What else? We are to love God and others (Matt 22:37-39). What else? He wants us to walk or live life in obedience to Him.
Some are repulsed by rules. I understand. However, He is all wise and His ways are best. A blessing is that He gives us His desires, so we want to do what He wants. We have the mind of Christ (I Cor 2:16). In addition to that He fills us with joy and blesses us constantly. He pours out His favor and approval on us. David says, “My cup overflows”, (Psalm 23).
At times it’s a sacrifice or challenging, but He helps us and He blesses our obedience. A further blessing is that our example or witness encourages others to come to Christ and they are blessed and follow Him.
“The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple”, (Psalm 19:7). Those in todays verse received a harsh notice about this. He will show us when we walk in ignorance. He or others point this out.
Being disobedient has it’s consequences. Lying destroys friendships, sex outside of marriage can lead to disease and broken relationships, cutting corners leads to poor quality and so on. Jesus appeared to Saul and commented that it is hard to “kick against the goads” (Acts 26:14). This was referring to Saul’s opposing God. He was persecuting christians while God was trying to build His church. When we live in disobedience we are fighting God. Some times we know it, other times we don’t. If we aren’t aware, then we will certainly feel the resistance. We’ll know something is wrong.
Warnings like today’s verse are actually His mercy. He is taking a stand on something and communicating it to whoever sees. Ananias and Sapphira were such an example in the book of Acts. They sold some property and gave a fraction to the apostles, but they acted as if they gave the entire amount, making them appear very generous. They both died that same day in their lie. The affect is in 5:11, “And great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard about these things”, (Acts).
Lord, thank You for these warnings and for the fear that accompanies them. Help us to heed them.