2 Samuel 6, 1 Chronicles 13, Psalm 60 & Acts 23

The ark of the covenant is brought to Jerusalem.

“And David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the Lord, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals. And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and told hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God.” (2 Samuel 6:5-7 ESV)

Uzzah did not show reverence to God. He knew it was not to be touched. Therefore, God punished him to make a point with everyone who witnessed it. God is to be worshipped with humility.

In Acts 23, Paul is accused of being irreverent.

“And looking intently at the council, Paul said, ‘Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.’ And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, ‘God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?’ Those who stood by said, ‘Would you revile God’s high priest?’ And Paul said, ‘I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.” (Acts 23:1-6 ESV)

Paul was defending himself, but humbled himself before the counsel when he realized to whom he was speaking.

And now part of a Psalm of David when Joab struck down 12,000.

“O God, You have rejected us, broken our defenses; You have been angry; oh, restore us.

“You have made the land to quake; You have torn it open; repair its breaches, for its totters.

“You have made your people see hard things; You have given us wine to drink that made us stagger.

“You have set up a banner for those who fear You, that they may flee to it from the bow.

“That your beloved ones may be delivered, give salvation by Your right hand and answer us!” (Psalm 60:1-5 ESV)

Lord, let us come to You boldly, but always with proper reverence and humility. We are nothing without You or compared with You. Thank You for loving us so!

~Kellie