"And the anger of the Lord burned against Uzzah and God struck him down for his irreverence and he died there by the ark of God." 2 Samuel 6:7 Remember this story of Uzzah who touched the ark of the covenant and died? David took some of his men and went to Abinadab's house which was on a hill, to bring home the ark of God. They placed the ark on a new cart. Abinadabs two sons Ahio and Uzzah were leading the new cart. While they were proceeding along the path, David and all of Israel danced and sang before the Lord in celebration, for the ark was coming home.
"When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out toward the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen nearly upset it." 2 Samuel 6:6 Uzzah had good intentions and reached out and touched the ark. The scriptures do not indicate God giving instructions to not touch the ark but this act upset God. God's anger could be because it was called; "ark of God, the very name of the Lord of hosts who is enthroned above the cherubim." 2 Samuel 6:2b This upset David who became angry at God and became afraid and so he refused to go any further with the ark and left it at the house of Obededom the Gittite for three months. God blessed the Gittite the whole time he had the ark within his home. But Uzzah died!
"The purpose in a man's mind is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out." Proverbs 20:5 We understand Uzzah automatically reached out to keep the ark from falling but God was not pleased. Seems like such a simple responsive act; doesn't it? "Even a child makes himself known by his acts, whether what he does is pure and right." Proverbs 20:11 It is natural for children to do things; well within the learning curve of childhood. Whether it is right or wrong, we applaud or we correct. Seems like a natural response; doesn't it?
God created us in such a way that it is possible for us to attain the purposes for which He created us. We merely need to purpose in our minds the direction we want to go. Off times we think what we are doing is right but if we do not understand God's will for us, we can fall short. We must pay attention to God's will!
"For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man." 2 Corinthians 8:21 We are to adhere to God's word, by not watering it down, to tickle the ears of our friends, family or those who are seeking God. It is not our place to be full of good intentions and give answers; it is God's message and it is God's invitation not ours. Say it like God has already said it in His word. Our good intentions can bring destruction; our well meaning can leave those we love high and dry on the day of salvation.
Have you ever done something with good intentions that brought about an adverse reactice which either brought you shame, punishment or both? I am always doing things with good intentions. I am always getting into trouble! Jim and I are so different in the way we respond to the needs of people. He is always a little bit reticent and has sound instruction, but I have been noted to be like a bull in a china shop. Now I don't exactly agree with this assessment but it simply clarify's how I can get easily into trouble.
Many years ago I wrote in a letter some grumbling about my marriage. Not that there was actually anything wrong with my marriage, but the one I was writing to did have some problems. I didn't want her to feel bad. Good intentions are okay but; "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct, since it is written; "You shall be holy, for I am holy." 1 Peter 1:14-16 The question is; "What would Jesus do?" By Jane Ann Crenshaw 1/11/10
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