The Unpredictability of God
Verses: 2 Samuel 6:7-9 "Now when they came to Nacon's threshing floor, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah because of the irreverent way he had reached out and touched the ark. So God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God. Then David was angry because the Lord had burst forth against Uzzah. He did not want to take the ark of the Lord to be with him in the City of David. Instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite."
The story of Uzzah's death is a powerful reminder of the unpredictability of God. As the Israelites were celebrating the return of the ark, Uzzah's actions seemed innocent enough - he simply reached out to steady the ark when the oxen stumbled. But God's response was swift and severe, striking Uzzah down for his irreverent actions.
David's reaction to Uzzah's death was one of shock and anger. He had underestimated God's holiness and power, thinking that he could contain the ark and its power. But God's actions showed him that He was not to be trifled with. This experience taught David a valuable lesson about the nature of God - that He is a God who demands reverence and respect, and that He will not be treated lightly.
As we relate to God, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we can anticipate His actions and reactions. But God is a God of surprises, and His ways are not our ways. He is a God who is beyond our understanding, and His power and holiness are not to be taken lightly.
In our relationship with God, we must always approach Him with a sense of awe and reverence. We must recognize that He is God, and we are but mere mortals. We must not think that we can contain Him or control His power and actions. Instead, we must approach Him with humility, recognizing that He is a God who is worthy of our reverence and respect.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help us to approach You with reverence and respect. May we never forget that You are a God who demands our awe and fear. May we always recognize Your power and Your holiness, and may we approach You with humility and reverence. Amen.