20 January

YOU CAN BE SINCERELY WRONG

“And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took 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 6:6-7)

Each time I read this passage I cannot but wonder why someone did not shout out to Uzzah, “Do not touch the ark!” I believe if it had been in Nigeria, someone might have saved his life with a shout.

Uzzah was so enthusiastic about the things of God that he could not stand by and watch the ark fall without making an attempt to hold it up. Why did the Bible call his action an error? Why did our merciful God strike him dead “just” because of a sincere error?
The Ark of the Covenant was God’s idea, to signify and represent His presence. From biblical accounts in Exodus, God gave Moses very precise and detailed instructions on its construction and handling. God gave instructions on how and who could move it in Numbers 4:5-15. Only the Levites could move the ark, using poles to carry it. Was Uzzah a Levite? Touching it bore a death penalty! Was David the king, who gave the instruction of the movement of the ark, ignorant of these?

In the law courts it is said, “Ignorantia legis neminem excusat”, which is Latin for “ignorance of the law excuses no one“! Uzzah was sincere but he was wrong and bore the consequences of his error. Passion for service must be accompanied by obedience to the Word. Sin has consequences! Many live with or die from the health consequences of immorality, even when they have repented and are forgiven. Some may receive healing through God’s mercy but some others do not.

ACTION:  Are you trying to help God outside of His will? Reflect and repent where necessary.

PRAYER: Lord teach me to know where to draw the line. Amen.