David learned a harsh lesson about obedience to God through the death of Uzzah. We go into dangerous territory when we worship without considering God's instructions. We cannot do whatever we want. As much as God wants relationship with us, He is also to be feared. Disobedience never brings glory to God, no matter the motive.
David brought this lesson onto the battlefield as well. How often do we wait until after we've already made decisions and consequences are unfolding before we ask God for help? We should not treat Him as our last resort, but should go to Him first, like David did.
We also see David making other mistakes that would have long term consequences. Growing a large harem of wives and concubines was the norm for the surrounding culture of the times, but it went against God's plan for marriage. Those marriages may have brought David power and influence, but they also caused jealousy, discord, and even murder within his family. We cannot just give in to society's worldview. So often the biblical worldview is completely counter-cultural, and we need to be willing to stand out by going against the tide of popular opinion in order to be obedient.
In our NT, I love that Zechariah's first words, after months of God-enforced silence, were words of obedience (naming his son John) followed by words of praise.
Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: 1 Chronicles 16-18; Luke 2:1-24
2 comments:
Uzzah's sin led to his death. It is important to remember that all sin, whether we think it is big or small, ultimately leads to death too.
His name is John. --it wasn't what anyone expected but I think by this point after so many months of silence, Zechariah had begun to trust God. What will it take in our lives for us to follow God's leading?
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