QT 2/22/2023 2 Sam 6:3-8, Remembering who I worship

2 Samuel 6:3–8 (ESV) —

3 And they carried the ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. And Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart, 4 with the ark of God, and Ahio went before the ark.

5 And David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the Lord, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals. 6 And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. 7 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God. 8 And David was angry because the Lord had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzzah to this day.

 

NOTE: David's intentions were good, but here is an example of where good intentions do not override ignorance. First, David moved the ark in the same manner as the Philistines had -- with a cart. He "assumed" something that had happened previously meant it was correct. Also, the Priests and Levites failed David. God had given specific instructions on how to move the ark, and who could and couldn't touch the ark. On both of these latter points, no one provided the information that David needed. Nor did David apparently remember his Torah instruction. In the passage that follows, it is clear that a lot of effort went into figuring out what went wrong as they then do everything correct. In essence, David fell into the trap where familiarity breeds contempt. If we think we are extremely close friends with a person who is in high authority and then we interrupt an important meeting, that will not be taken well, no matter how close the friendship. David's relationship with God made him think he could do no wrong as long as he had a good heart. That is mostly true. Brueggemann highlights this danger.

 

Brueggemann notes the fear generated by this event was positive, for “when people are no longer awed, respectful, or fearful of God’s holiness, the community is put at risk.

 

Yes, we can enter the presence of God, the throne room, without an appointment, but must never forget that we are entering the presence of God.

 

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV) — 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

 

It is a balance between awe, reverence, and love.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I remember that when I am meeting with God, I am meeting with the greatest ruler-king-lord that exists in the universe?
2. Have I lost the awe of "my inheritance?"

 

PRAYER: Father, I am undeserving to come before you. If it was not for Jesus, I could not come close to your presence. I do not deserve these opportunities to meet with you. And yet I can. Thank you. You are holy and I am not (except for Jesus' blood). Have mercy on me. And thank you for the glorious honor of entering into your presence.