How often are we given a task to complete with very clear instructions, but we think we can do it more efficiently our own way? The "suggestions" before us are good, but our plan would be so much better. We then embark on accomplishing the assignment implementing our method. We may succeed in fulfilling the job, doing it even quicker than expected, but there's still a problem. We didn't do it as directed.
Time has come to bring back the Ark of God which had been neglected during the reign of Saul. David sends messages to all the Israelites, including the priests and Levites, and invites them to join the assembly of those who will gather to celebrate the Ark's return. However, David does not consult his instruction manual on how to transport this sacred chest that represented the Lord's presence. Placing the Ark of God on a new cart they begin their journey.
This is so often how we live too. We think our way is superior and that new is best. We believe a few modifications or alterations will not make a difference because not only is the job being doing, it's being completed better, or so we convince ourselves. We make allowances and excuses to decisions we make, justifying our actions as innovative improvements. After all, did God really say....?
What should draw our attention as David digresses from God's design for transporting the Art is that the Levites were included in the process. If David had just forgotten some key knowledge in the "how to's" the Levites should have known some important information that was crucial to their duties and jumped in to share so that loss of life wouldn't occur. God had clearly specified in Exodus 25:12-14 in great detail how the Ark was to be carried: "Cast four gold rings and attach them to its four feet, two rings on each side. Make poles from acacia wood, and overlay them with gold. Insert the poles into the rings at the sides of the Ark to carry it." Not only were these particulars pretty obvious, but in Numbers 4:15 the Levites were identified as the only ones who could bear the Ark and absolutely no one could ever touch it or they would die.
In cocky pride, we sometimes feel we can improve on God's instructions. We make a lot of allowances saying things like, that was then, this is now; the world has changed. Yes and no, but our hearts are still desperately wicked and we continue to resist authority, wanting to do things our own way. In our very me-driven society, the old adage of "measure twice, cut once" is abandoned. The value of preparing thoroughly and accurately in order to prevent error, waste and the necessity of repeating the task, is often neglected. The theme song of too many of our lives is, "I did it my way!"
Because of their failure to care for the Word of the Lord, the Levites, David and all the people saw the result of disobedience. When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the Ark and prevent it from falling, resulting in his immediate death. What appears to be a good motive measure ends in life loss. Although this may seem to be an overly harsh response, God's instructions stand and there are consequences for disobedience.
Have we become careless about clear directives in God's Word? Time does not nullify His truth. From age-to-age God's sacred text and ancient words have been preserved for our good and are meant to be obeyed. God cares deeply about every detail of our lives. If He desires "carrying poles" then a "new cart" won't suffice, regardless of how sincere our intentions. We need to sweat the small stuff, because in God's eyes there is no such thing as a small sin.
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