The passages today have me thinking about journey. Acts 23 includes the account of Paul’s incredible journey from Jerusalem to Caesarea with a surprising escort. In 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 13, David orchestrates the journey of the ark of God to Jerusalem. These are, of course, the types of journeys that are acts of traveling from one place to another. But that’s not the kind of journey I’m thinking about. I’m thinking about the inner journey of my spirit as I grow closer to Jesus.
My journey is filled with good intentions. I want to live in a way that pleases God.
“He (David) and all his men set out from Baal-ah of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God…” 2 Samuel 6:2
Along the way, I neglect to follow God’s instructions for me. The people of David’s time had specific instructions for moving the ark. Clearly these do not apply to me. What does apply, and I routinely neglect, are God’s instructions for loving Him and loving people.
“They set the ark of God on a new cart…” 2 Samuel 6:3
I suffer consequences. These consequences certainly do not include death, but the effects of sin have devastating effects on my spirit.
“The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down and he died there beside the ark of God” 2 Samuel 6:7
My spiritual progress has pauses along the way.
“He (David) was not willing 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.” 2 Samuel 6:10
I continue forward in my lifelong journey of following Jesus. The consequences and pauses do not stop me from going where God wants me.
“…So David went down and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing.” 2 Samuel 6:12
I praise God!
“David, wearing a linen ephod, danced before the Lord with all his might, while he and the entire house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets.” 2 Samuel 6:14-15
Lord, My greatest desire is to be close to you. I know I make mistakes. I know you love me enough to show them to me. Help me to keep moving towards you.
Diona (dionak1)
From the archives. Originally published May 13, 2016.
Sixty-six books in a year 