Day 119, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 1 Chronicles 15-16; 2 Samuel 6:12-23; Psalm 15
Do It Right
Sometimes in relatively unimportant tasks, we just need to “get 'er done.” At other times, however, it is essential to get things done right the first time. Here are four examples of the importance of doing things right:
- An auto mechanic works on a car or truck. What happens if he does not follow the specifications for repairing the vehicle? He messes up the vehicle’s operation and must do it all over again at his own expense.
- Similarly, when a seamstress does not follow the pattern, she has to pull out the seams and start over.
- If someone wants to bring an expensive audio-visual system, computer system, or other machinery into his home, church, or business, he gets the most qualified and insured people to move it and set it up. He will not just pick any person off the street to handle it. He will even prepare the site for its use. He will train himself or other people to learn how to run the new equipment.
- A wedding is a memorable ceremony, and we may have just one chance to get it right. Proper preparation is essential for practical, emotional, and spiritual reasons. We do not want to mar the sanctity of the event.
All of these illustrations are useful for today’s lesson.
In the latter days of the prophet Samuel, the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant. God was angry and plagued them so much that they returned it. For a long time, it moved from town to town in Israel with no permanent home.
The Ark of the Covenant is a symbol of God’s presence. King David wants to bring the Ark to Jerusalem so people will worship the LORD there. The LORD approves, and the king has the support of all the people.
Not Being Careful has Disasterous Results
David decides to “get 'er done.” He has the ark lifted by its poles onto a new cart pulled by oxen, and the celebration begins. When an ox stumbles, however, a man named Uzzah reaches out to steady the ark. The LORD immediately slays him! Everyone fears the Almighty. They leave the cart where it is, and the party is over.
What happened? Uzzah had offended the holiness of God. The LORD said if anyone touches the ark or looks in it, he will die. The ark represents the holiness and presence of God. Earlier, seventy men of Beth Shemesh looked inside the ark. God killed them for profaning his holiness. Their families were afraid of it and sent it to the household of Obed-Edom in Israel.
David, however, still wants the ark of God with him in Jerusalem, especially after he hears that God is abundantly blessing the household of Obed-Edom. In one of his hymns, David asks God, “when will you come to me?” (Psalm 101:2). This verse is a possible reference to the ark of God and expresses how much David desires God’s presence.
The king missed something significant in transporting the ark—God is holy, and David must honor him before all his people. Do we revere God before others, or do we disrespect him by our words, actions, or worship? David writes in one of his songs,
LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the LORD, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken. (Psalm 15, NIV).Like David, we need to worship God in a holy manner. Many centuries later the Apostle Paul writes to Christians,
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your spiritual act of worship (Romans 12:1, NIV)
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body (1Corinthians 6:19-20, NIV).
Being Careful Leads to Joy
King David redeems himself. He goes back to Jerusalem, seeks the LORD, and reads in the Holy Scriptures the proper procedures for transporting the ark (Numbers 4:5,6,15). David then gathers Israel together and humbly admits his error to all the people (a good thing for leaders to do).
Afterward, David leads them to carry the Ark of the Covenant as God prescribed (do it right). He assigns the Kohathites to carry the ark on their shoulders by the golden poles inserted into the golden rings. Then, David makes sure they are all suitably attired in their priestly garments for the occasion (even David removes his kingly robes and wears a linen garment to show his humility before God’s holiness). Following this, he invites his military commanders to accompany him.
The celebration begins. In honor of God, the king sacrifices burnt offerings for dedication. He involves all the people in the festivities and appoints singers and musicians to lead the people in worship. David composes a song for the occasion and dances for joy before the LORD.
The king prepares an honorary place for the ark in Jerusalem. Then he dedicates burnt offerings to the LORD, and the people share fellowship offerings. Afterward, he sends everyone home with gifts of bread, dates, and raisin cakes.
Unfortunately, his wife Michal does not understand the king joyously dancing around in linen garments instead of his kingly attire. In her jealousy, she despises David for displaying himself so humbly, but David defends himself. Their relationship is affected, and Michal dies childless.
Some people will not understand our relationship with the Lord. We should not let them discourage or dissuade us from our worship of God; he is pleased!
Focus Verse
Psalm 101:2 (NIV) “I will be careful to lead a blameless life-- when will you come to me? I will walk in my house with blameless heart.”
Discussion
When is it important that we just get a job done, and when is it essential that we are careful to do it right? Why?
What might be the results of not being careful versus being careful?
What lesson might we learn from Michal’s reaction to David?
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com
Looking Ahead: Now that David moves the ark as instructed by God, he also gives us Reasons to Celebrate. Join us for our Next Lesson.
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