It’s been a while in the story since we’ve heard anything about the ark of the covenant. It has been sitting idle too long, David must have thought. He knew enough to honor God with elite troops. If he asked for God’s permission, that didn’t make it into the story as an important detail.
Everything seemed to be going well with the joyful procession accompanying the ark. “David and all the people of Israel were celebrating before the Lord, singing songs.” And then it happened. Uzzah aroused God’s anger by reaching out, trying to protect the ark. He was struck down dead!
At first, I was wondering why God reacted so harshly by taking Uzzah’s life. Then I thought about how nobody was to touch the ark unless given authority, and wouldn’t God certainly protect the ark. Uzzah’s action could then be seen as not trusting God for provision while trying to do it himself. It was definitely a bad idea.
I can think of plenty of times where that’s been me. I’ve maybe plowed forward with something, believing I was totally capable, only to realize a little too late that I had forgotten to consult with God first. I could have avoided a lot of mishaps if I had been as faithful and devoted to God’s will for my life at a younger age.
That’s the kind of message I want to bring to a generation younger than me. I’ve been asked to speak on a podcast that appeals to young working moms and how they can survive and thrive. I feel like I’ll be their “older” self coming back to tell them, warn them, direct them.
We’ve all played the game of “what would you tell your 17 year old self if you could go back.” If you’ve not done so, write it out. I did for another talk show and I tell you it really opened my eyes. There was some great wisdom there that somebody, a younger version of me, would have paid millions to have.
You have value. At whatever age or stage of life you are. That’s really the point I want to make. We often think we’re not as good as the next guy because we’re not as old, or not as young, or not as skinny, or not as smart. You fill in the blank. But God made you just like you are.
We may be precious in God’s sight, but we do need to be watching for God’s will and ready to accept the many blessings he has in store for us. We need to look out for those “bad ideas” that often tempt us. Just like God brought blessings to Obed-edom for holding the ark, he will bring blessings to all who are faithful. That means we look to God for our direction and trust him for his provision. We don’t need the ark. We have the Holy Spirit.
Let’s pray …
Lord, thank you for all your blessings and provisions. I am so grateful for how you are working in my life. These verses remind me to trust you and do my best to avoid the bad ideas that often tempt me. Guide me. Use me. Mold me into the person you have made me to be. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
