I've been trying to read through the Bible for a couple of years now. So far I'm in I Chronicles. Yeah, not so good. But there is good news: I'm learning things I never knew before. Like in chapter 13 of I Chronicles there is the story of the death of Uzzah. Who was Uzzah? He was the guy who reached out to steady the ark of the covenant when he thought it was going to fall and God struck him dead.
Kind of harsh?
Well, yeah. But
He was a harsh God, right? Isn't that what everyone says about him? In fact, in the Old Testament He sometimes seems so harsh that some can't reconcile Him to the God of the New Testament. Love and mercy on the one hand and anger and vengeance on the other. Maybe God has multiple personality disorder. Or maybe we're only hearing a small part of the story.
Starting back in Exodus and Numbers we see a detailed, elaborate set of instructions on everything concerning the Hebrew worship of God. From the tabernacle itself to the accouterments in and surrounding it to the acts of worship, the sacrifices offered, and holy feast days everything was covered. In particular there are a set of instructions for transporting the ark in Exodus 25 and another set of instructions on who was to carry it in Numbers 4. Yet David didn't bother to look. No one bothered to look. They just slapped what their religion considered the throne of God on an ox cart and set off for Jerusalem.
So does this excuse God? Well, as far as I can tell He doesn't need my permission. Or even understanding. But if you still want to stand in judgment over him…
So, what did I learn? Do what you're supposed to do. Read the instructions. Do the job right or stay home.
Lesson For Today
I've been trying to read through the Bible for a couple of years now. So far I'm in I Chronicles. Yeah, not so good. But there is good news: I'm learning things I never knew before. Like in chapter 13 of I Chronicles there is the story of the death of Uzzah. Who was Uzzah? He was the guy who reached out to steady the ark of the covenant when he thought it was going to fall and God struck him dead.
Kind of harsh?
Well, yeah. But
He was a harsh God, right? Isn't that what everyone says about him? In fact, in the Old Testament He sometimes seems so harsh that some can't reconcile Him to the God of the New Testament. Love and mercy on the one hand and anger and vengeance on the other. Maybe God has multiple personality disorder. Or maybe we're only hearing a small part of the story.
Starting back in Exodus and Numbers we see a detailed, elaborate set of instructions on everything concerning the Hebrew worship of God. From the tabernacle itself to the accouterments in and surrounding it to the acts of worship, the sacrifices offered, and holy feast days everything was covered. In particular there are a set of instructions for transporting the ark in Exodus 25 and another set of instructions on who was to carry it in Numbers 4. Yet David didn't bother to look. No one bothered to look. They just slapped what their religion considered the throne of God on an ox cart and set off for Jerusalem.
So does this excuse God? Well, as far as I can tell He doesn't need my permission. Or even understanding. But if you still want to stand in judgment over him…
So, what did I learn? Do what you're supposed to do. Read the instructions. Do the job right or stay home.
What should you be doing?