I continued reading this morning through the next chapter of 2 Samuel - this is where David brought the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem. As I read, it seemed to me as if David's attempt to move God's presence (the Ark) was done simply according to what he thought was the right way. His 'method' (for lack of a better word) appeared to be right but, in the end, this gave way to a scenario that cost Uzzah his life.
In verse 7, God struck Uzzah "for his error" and he died immediately right there beside the Ark. From the verses, I cannot ascertain what Uzzah's actual intention was. The Word only states that Uzzah put his hand to the Ark when the oxen stumbled - it does not specify his intention. Perhaps he did not have an ulterior motive, I don't know. I certainly am not worthy to judge any one else's motivations anyway! As I read the Word, Uzzah's error was in "taking hold" of the Ark. That word 'error' is translated as 'irreverence'. Uzzah disregarded that which is Holy and treated it as if it were common. He was irreverent to the presence of the Lord (the Ark) by reaching out to steady it when the oxen stumbled. Did you happen to notice where the oxen stumbled? It was at Nacon's threshing floor, which is interesting in itself, if you think about it. To begin with, the ground for a threshing floor is normally made smooth and beaten down to make it hard. It is here where the wheat is separated from the chaff. Those oxen took a step that was not expected or anticipated by man but God knew exactly what was going on. Doesn't He always?
As I continued to read, I noticed David had acted in what he believed was a good way to transport the Ark. He thought a brand new cart was an excellent (and easy) way to bring the Ark into Jerusalem. David failed in not learning the protocols of The King. It seemed to me as if David had sought the Lord in what was to be moved (the Ark) but stopped there. He failed to 'inquire of the Lord' as to the 'how' God's presence was to be moved. And it was not until David came into alignment with God's way of doing things that the Ark was transported without someone dying.
With the New Covenant of Christ, the blood of Jesus destroyed the need for any additional sacrifice(s) to be made in order to enter into God's presence. His completeness of Grace and Mercy on the Cross by His total Sacrifice changed the protocols of the Law forever. And yet, we still insist on approaching the Lord our own way, in our own ability rather than His. God cannot look upon sin so we dare not to enter His presence without the blood of Jesus covering us, lest we die. We must continually examine ourselves before the Lord and, at the same time, trust in the fullness of His grace to make us fit to be before the Throne.
So, I began to ponder just how many "Uzzah's" have occurred in my own life because of my error, my irreverence. He has certainly shown me much mercy by not striking me down on the spot and, if were not for His grace, that may have already happened. It is important to know, however, approaching the Lord isn't in a method, system or order - it's a heart condition. Are you surrendered to Jesus? To His will and not your own? Do you approach the Lord because you can? Or might it be simply because you want to, out of sheer love for Him and your desire to be with Him?
Christ's sacrifice on the Cross restored the avenue for open fellowship between us and our Heavenly Father. He wants to walk with us, just like He did with Adam in the Garden, before the fall. Can you imagine their conversations?!? I think God is really calling His children back to Himself not only because He loves us but also in that He wants to spend time with us. He desires for us to know His heart, to show us His dreams for our life. I wonder if He grows tired of listening to our demands, our wish lists and our insistence in doing things a certain way, our way? He is so patient...
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (NKJV)
You can't access God in your own way or by your own methods - it's only through Christ Jesus. Oh, please, please, do not use my Lord (do not err by irreverence) as a gateway to the Father for presenting a wish list or just to get something from Him. How that must break His heart! And oh, what a painful lesson we may have to learn as David did.
I love you, Lord. Help me to see the error of my ways in approaching You, most Holy One. Clear my heart of my own wants and desires; replace them with Yours. Thank you, Jesus, for Your perfect sacrifice! Thank you for opening the door back to the Father. Now, let me return to my First Love with reckless abandon!
Oh Lord, You're beautiful!
Your face is all I seek!
For when your eyes are on this child,
Your faith abounds to me.
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