David wanted to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. He made a new cart and set the ark on it, and had oxen hauling the vehicle. And all went in front of the ark playing and singing musical instruments. When they came to the threshingfloor of Nachon, the ark seemed to be about to fall. Uzzah, one of the men beside it, reached out his hand to balance it. He dropped over dead.
It appears terribly severe to us today. It did to David. When David transferred the ark again, he did it according to the Law. The priests were to carry the ark using special poles. David realized that you can’t add to God’s law and be issue free. God’s commandments are for our well-being.
They all learnt that it is no small thing to have the presence of God. If the ark had dropped and touched the earth it would be less contaminated than if man touched it! Man does not know that his defiant, rebellious disposition is much more corrosive than dirt. While we work hard to clean our physical bodies, the real dirt is on the inside.
What lessons can we draw from this tragedy today? God’s approach is the best way and for our good. If He teaches us, it is because He is safeguarding us and guarding us. Do not add to God’s directions or take away from them. Not just what He tells you, but how He tells you.
The second lesson is to know the holiness of God and the filthiness of man. If we understand that clearly we will not put our hands into God’s business and defile it with our carnal ways and notions. There is a lot of ark-touching going on in the world now. Man wants to do what he believes is best for the church, instead of waiting on God and doing as God commands. “Don’t put out your hand, even when you think you are doing a good thing.” Take God’s directions.
Just consider: The best thing for me is to follow God’s instructions.
