A life of faith says: Let go of the tilting Ark! Just ask Uzzah...— Vol. 2, Chap. 24

Do I ever mean well, but make things worse? Do you?
A life of faith says: Let what doesn't belong to me go.
Uzzah found that out the hard way. And he has been an example for us to follow for centuries.

Do you remember Uzzah?

I know it is not a name we hear a lot in Bible studies, or even in church.
He isn't a great hero of the bible. He doesn't play a major roll in any of the Gospels. But Uzzah gave us a wonderful example of what NOT to do. And he was only trying to help!

Let's take a look into 2 Samuel for the rest of the story...

Moving the Ark to Jerusalem
2 Samuel 6:5,7
5. David and all the people of Israel were celebrating before the LORD, singing songs and playing all kinds of musical instruments ⏤lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets, and cymbals.
6. But when they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled and Uzzah reached out his hand and steadied the Ark of God.
7. Then the LORD'S anger was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him dead because of this. So Uzzah died right there beside the Ark of God."

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Three short verses.

In these three short verses we find David doing what he thought would be a good thing. And it was.

We find all sorts of excitement and happiness. The Ark of God was being moved to Jerusalem. The people of Israel were filled with such joy.

Until.

Until something happened that changed the entire trajectory. It wasn't planned, it wasn't even bad. It was a problem, yes. But not a large one.

I wonder if Uzzah even questioned whether or not he should reach out and steady the Ark?

Because Uzzah reached out and touched the Ark, he died.

Remember that God had given direct instructions to NOT touch the Ark of the Covenant (The Ark of God).

But, I can see that Uzzah simply wanted to protect the Ark.

Instead, he died. Not only did he die, but David was so disturbed by what happened he sent the Ark to stay in another town and did not take it to its rightful location.

I can see myself doing exactly what Uzzah did. Can you?

I'm reminded of my response to protect someone when they are sitting beside me in the car and I slam on the brakes. I automatically try to protect them by putting out my arm. Will it protect them. Not one iota!
But I do it. And I do it automatically.

Let's take that to another level. I know that I always want to help people. But I am not in charge of protecting everyone. How often have I seen someone protecting a loved one when the natural consequences  for their actions would stretch them into growing.

What would happen if faith was applied in the situation? Faith that God would bring about the end into a deeper faith walk, a journey. Faith growth not only for me, but for my loved one.

Or, let's take it one step further. How often do I do more damage to a relationship, or a situation by putting my two cents in when it has not been asked for?

Did I really need to add anything to the dialogue, to the event?

Did I keep someone from growing in my efforts to protect?

Did I exercise FAITH, or did I steady the tilt?

We really don't have control over much. When you get right down to it, we have control over our responses and that is really all. And if we are honest, that can be a crazy ride as well.  And if I reach out and try to steady something that really is not mine to control, what damage might I cause?

The next time you are in a situation and about to reach out and steady something (or someone), think about Uzzah.  Ask yourself,

"Does God want me to stay out of this and let Him handle the situation?

Does He want me to build my FAITH muscle instead of my reaction muscle?"

Letting God handle the teetering situation is often the best decision.

What would our faith be like if we took our hands off and let God handle it?

My big question to my own heart — "Could I ever have enough faith that I didn't even think about responding in any way but - "YOU'VE GOT THIS GOD - I'M GOING TO WATCH YOU DO IT!" And me not responding in anyway but prayer.

May you think a little about the huge lesson shown in three verses. Uzzah. A lesson to be learned on what NOT to do.

God has more to share with us. Consider reading the bible to find nuggets for living life well and wonderfully.

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Until next week on Monday at some time...
Thanks for meeting me here today.
See you then.

Robyn Cox
RR&BC, LLC©2016

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An apology for my not being here last week. Things were off. I had company and it was a blessing. But, several things weren't handled well. My fault. Blaming anyone else would be simply wrong. I am sorry. Please continue following us. And we would love you to join us in our community. Gracious living is what it is all about. And God has an overabundance of love and grace.

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