I Chronicles 13 (NIV)

Summary:

Bringing Back the Ark
Verses 1-14

David conferred with his officers, the commanders of hundreds and thousands.  He spoke with the assembly of Israel, asking if it seemed good and if it was God's will to unite all the Israelites to retrieve the ark of the covenant.  They had not inquired of it (used it for guidance) during Saul's reign.  All the people agreed that this was a good idea.

David assembled the Israelites from the Shihor River in Egypt to Lebo Hamath.  They went to Kiriath Jearim, also called Baalah of Judah, to retrieve the ark of God, who is enthroned between the cherubim.  The ark is called by the Name.  They moved the ark from Abinadab's house on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio as guides.  David and all the Israelites celebrated with all their might before God.  They sang songs and played harps, lyres, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets.

When they reached the threshing floor of Kidon, the oxen stumbled and Uzzah reached out to steady the ark.  God's anger burned against him and he died.  David was angry because God's wrath broke out against Uzzah.  The place is now called Perez Uzzah, which means outbreak against Uzzah.  David was afraid of God and felt unworthy to bring the ark with him.  They took it to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite.  The ark was there for three months.  The Lord blessed his household and everything he had.

Lori's Thoughts:

1.  It is good to meet with others and discuss your plans to serve God.  This will result in levelheaded decisions and promote humility.  Also, you will be supported and aided in your endeavors.  The Godhead is Three.  The Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit always confer with one another.  This is evident in Christ's life on Earth.  He was always praying to His Father.

2.  I know that David and the Israelites were overflowing with the Holy Spirit.  They celebrated with all their might.  Have you ever been so overwhelmed with joy that you couldn't help but cry out or dance?  It's the best high ever.

3.  Although Uzzah was filled with the Spirit, he was human.  Humans deserve to die, because we're sinners.  We cannot approach God without Christ.  Christ hadn't come yet to atone for us, so Uzzah died.  This is a great reminder of the magnificence of God.  He is a consuming fire that we must revere.  However, if we have accepted the Son and His gift of grace, that is salvation from sin, then we don't need to fear God's wrath.  Christ's blood has covered us.  One day, we will approach the Throne with confidence.