TALK TO THE HAND

1 Chronicles 13:8-12
8 David and all the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before God, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets. 9 When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled. 10 The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah, and He struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God. 11 Then David was angry because the Lord's wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah. 12 David was afraid of God that day and asked, "How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?"

Loving parents know that when a child breaks certain rules, there's no debating--there must be swift and unavoidable consequences.

My friend's son sped down a hill on his bike and ignored the stop sign at the cross street. He was grounded from his bike for a week--no discussions. His mom was angry that he deliberately did something so dangerous. His disobedience was too much for her to brush off lightly.

The disobedience of Uzzah had inescapable consequences too. As the Israelites were bringing back the ark of the covenant, Uzzah put out his hand to steady it. When he touched the ark of God, he died immediately.

It's easy to wonder why God got so angry with Uzzah, a man who apparently was simply trying to help. But it was pride that caused him to reach out for the ark. He thought he could get around God's restriction (Exodus 25:12-15) and that somehow God "needed" him to help steady the ark.

Our pride is the source of our disobedience to God too, and it can carry some serious consequences. Broken relationships, loss of a job, illness, and even death are just a few of the ways we may have to suffer if we try to make life work without relying on God, and living in humility and obedience to Him.

It's important to fully understand what Uzzah did. He disobeyed God, who is kind, compassionate, merciful, and loving. He's also holy. He's God. He's in control--we are not. He makes the rules, we don't.

It's as clear for us as it should have been for Uzzah--we are to follow God's plan in obedience. Let's live humbly and obediently before our Creator God. --Allison Stevens

DESTINATION POINTS

* When have I been disobedient to God, and what were the consequences? ?
* What attitudes, behaviors, or ideas do I have that reveal pride in my heart?

bottom line: Pride comes before a fall.

soul journey