Not Your Job

2 Samuel 6:6-7 – “⁶ 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. ⁷ 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.”

     This scripture is taken from the accounting of what happened when one particular man took on a responsibility that was not his and unfortunately suffered dire consequences because of it.  As King David was having the Ark of the Covenant moved to Jerusalem he made a few administrative mistakes and one of his servants unfortunately had to pay the price.

 We have all experienced bosses or supervisors who have made decisions that others had to suffer for when all they were doing was trying to complete a task.  David had commanded for the Ark to be removed from Baale-judah and taken to Jerusalem on a new cart pulled by oxen.  That was his first mistake.  God had given specific instructions as to whom could carry the ark and how it was to be carried.  Only the tribe of Levi was to handle the Ark and it was not to rest on an ox cart but to be carried on the shoulders of the priests.  David and his fighting men were celebrating, dancing, chanting, singing and playing instruments.  David’s second mistake was that he did not give the Ark, which represented God’s presence, the reverence that it deserved.  He was celebrating more about what the Ark stood for in transferring the importance of Jerusalem now being the religious and political capital than he gave reverence to God’s providence.  

     Sad to say, David’s servant Uzzah became a tragic victim of this string of inconsistencies.  The oxen pulling the cart stumbled causing the Ark of the Covenant to shift.  Fearing that it would be cast to the ground, Uzzah did as probably anyone would have done out of a quick reaction; he put out his hand to catch the Ark and keep it from falling.  God’s command was that only the priestly tribe could handle the Ark and even then they had to move it by securing poles through the rings that were fashioned on each side.  It might seem harsh but God struck Uzzah down immediately and killed him for his actions.  The death of Uzzah was a reminder of the power of God and the importance of following his laws. 

      Someone may command, order, coax, trick, cajole, tease, dare or even ridicule you into doing something that you know is not what God has commanded for you to do. Although they were following orders there are many accountants who wish they had not moved a decimal point; teachers who regret changing grades; coaches who showed favoritism and medical professionals who skirted around proper protocol. Take the high road. Always follow the dictates that God puts into your heart.  Follow his directions and even if the outcome might not be favorable in the sight of worldly position or promotion or achievement; you will garner the favor of God through your obedience.

 Every day is a good day; it is up to us to make it a victoriously GREAT day. Be blessed! Rev. Dr. JoAnn.