22 January

YOU CAN BE SINCERELY WRONG (3)

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls,

but in an abundance of counsellors there is safety.”

(Proverbs 11:14)

“Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.”

(3 John 1:11)

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…”

(Hebrews 12:1-2)

Let’s take one more look at the tragic story of Uzzah. Can it be assumed that there were no priests or knowledgeable people to teach King David, Uzzah and others the right way to carry the ark, or did they not ask what was right? No man knows it all. It is wisdom to be humble and learn from those who know more, to ask faithful Christians counsel when the need arises.

King David carelessly followed the heathen Philistines’ method of transporting the ark on a cart. Who are you imitating? Whose example are you following? We always talk about peer pressure, as if it is only a youth issue. Are you doing what is contrary to the will of God because it seems to be an acceptable norm, or everyone is doing it?

Uzzah did not have to die. He and his brother willingly guided the ark but he alone touched the ark and he alone died. Everyone else might get away with what you might not get away with. David’s act cost him the life of a sincere man, leading to fear and anger among the people; as well as the loss of the presence and blessings of God for a period. But true to what God had made of him, David humbled himself, repented, learnt and eventually brought back the ark in the right way.

ACTION:  Reflect on “Others may, but I should not”.

PRAYER: Lord, please impress it on me daily that your Word, not human reasoning or norm, determines your way. Amen.