September 18, 2013
Doing His work our way is a recipe for disaster. A certain man learned the hard way, and paid the ultimate price.
An ancient story requires that we understand the times and the situation. Yahweh God had given specific instructions to the people of Israel concerning an object closely associated with His presence - the ark of the covenant. God was meticulous in both the details of its construction, and in how it was to be transported. In particular, a series of metal rings were attached to both sides of the ark, so that poles could be inserted, and the ark carried (picture pallbearers carrying a coffin). Trouble began when another method of transportation was used for God's sacred object:
"They placed the ark of God on a new cart ... But when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out toward the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen nearly upset it. And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence; and he died there by the ark of God." (2 Samuel 6.3,6-7)
God specified that His ark was to be carried by poles. A disastrous plan was devised to transport it on new cart. A man named Uzzah presumptuously tried to prevent the ark from sliding or flipping off the cart - something that would never have happened if the ark was transported per God's directives. Tragically, Uzzah died while attempting to touch that which was forbidden, while transporting it in a way God never intended.
God's work is always to be done His way. The best of intentions will never make up for blatant disregard of His directives. Uzzah and his men are not alone in acting presumptuously; we just might find we've done similar things! In spite of what we know He has specified, have we acted and done things that were - in our estimation - "a better idea and plan"? Have we dared believe certain plans and methods - seemingly effective in the secular realm - might work better than what God has outlined?
Second-guessing God can be dangerous business. A man named Uzzah would emphatically agree, if he could. So, let's lift a phrase from an ancient story that serves as an important guide today - and always: His plan, His way. May you be blessed in doing both.
Steve
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
An ancient story requires that we understand the times and the situation. Yahweh God had given specific instructions to the people of Israel concerning an object closely associated with His presence - the ark of the covenant. God was meticulous in both the details of its construction, and in how it was to be transported. In particular, a series of metal rings were attached to both sides of the ark, so that poles could be inserted, and the ark carried (picture pallbearers carrying a coffin). Trouble began when another method of transportation was used for God's sacred object:
"They placed the ark of God on a new cart ... But when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out toward the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen nearly upset it. And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence; and he died there by the ark of God." (2 Samuel 6.3,6-7)
God specified that His ark was to be carried by poles. A disastrous plan was devised to transport it on new cart. A man named Uzzah presumptuously tried to prevent the ark from sliding or flipping off the cart - something that would never have happened if the ark was transported per God's directives. Tragically, Uzzah died while attempting to touch that which was forbidden, while transporting it in a way God never intended.
God's work is always to be done His way. The best of intentions will never make up for blatant disregard of His directives. Uzzah and his men are not alone in acting presumptuously; we just might find we've done similar things! In spite of what we know He has specified, have we acted and done things that were - in our estimation - "a better idea and plan"? Have we dared believe certain plans and methods - seemingly effective in the secular realm - might work better than what God has outlined?
Second-guessing God can be dangerous business. A man named Uzzah would emphatically agree, if he could. So, let's lift a phrase from an ancient story that serves as an important guide today - and always: His plan, His way. May you be blessed in doing both.
Steve
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
posted by steve @ 8:58 AM
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