R-E-S-P-E-C-T

You can find many interesting stories about the ark of the covenant throughout the Old Testament and indeed in many venues other than the Bible…even movies have been made featuring the ark and its power. But make no mistake, apart from God; the ark itself contained no power.

To the early Israelites, the ark was a symbol of God’s “physical” presence with them. If you read through 1 Samuel 4-7, you will find how the Israelites began to see the ark as something of a good luck charm. They began to value the ark instead of esteeming and valuing their great and awesome God. They forgot without God, the ark was merely an ornate box. As a result, the Israelites were defeated and the ark stolen by the Philistines…who of course, regretted taking it right away. (1 Samuel 5 is a favorite.) After enduring much tragedy, the Philistines return the ark to the land of Israel, specifically, Kiriath-jearim, in Judah.

Now fast-forward several years to 1 Chronicles 13. This begins the story of King David bringing the ark to Jerusalem. Verses 2-4 record:

David said to all the assembly of Israel, "If it seems good to you, and if it is from the LORD our God, let us send everywhere to our kinsmen who remain in all the land of Israel, also to the priests and Levites who are with them in their cities with pasture lands, that they may meet with us; and let us bring back the ark of our God to us, for we did not seek it in the days of Saul." Then all the assembly said that they would do so, for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.

Unfortunately, disaster ensues because in the rush of enthusiasm to move the ark, the commandments of God are ignored. How easily we forget, man following his own plan creates chaos and disaster; but when man follows God’s plan, God brings triumph and blessing.

“When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, because the oxen nearly upset it. The anger of the LORD burned against Uzza, so He struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark; and he died there before God.” 1 Chronicles 13:9-10

Verse 11 says that “David became angry because of the LORD'S outburst against Uzza”. Other translations use the words “offended” and “indignant” instead of angry. I can imagine David as the petulant child saying to his parent, “What’d I do wrong?”

But not to worry for the lesson was meaningful for David because verse 12 records, “David was afraid of God that day”. David learns he must respect, not neglect, God and God’s commandments. God demands and deserves preeminence in our lives. We are to look to Him for guidance; His plan is always the right plan.

1 Chronicles 15 reveals David’s change of attitude in regard to the word of God; David’s love, fear, and respect of God and God’s commandments are recorded. Verses 2 and 13 of that chapter say:

Then David said, "No one is to carry the ark of God but the Levites; for the LORD chose them to carry the ark of God and to minister to Him forever."

"Because you did not carry it at the first, the LORD our God made an outburst on us, for we did not seek Him according to the ordinance."

Seek God first! God is Creator; He is LORD of all; He is I Am. He is, He was, He always will be.

"Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands." Deuteronomy 7:9

God Bless!