Disastrous Disobedience - July 10 Readings: 1 Chronicles 13-14, Acts 10:34–48, Psalm 80:9–19, Proverbs 17:4–6

Links to July 10 Readings: 1 Chronicles 13-14, Acts 10:34–48, Psalm 80:9–19, Proverbs 17:4–6

The saga of the return of the ark by King David is filled with questions and confusion. Why did David not follow the Law in bringing the Ark back the first time? Why did God strike out so harshly against poor Uzzah, who was only trying to stop the Ark from falling? Enigmas abound.

But the root of the problem is found in verse 3.

Then let us bring back the ark of our God, for we did not inquire of Him in Saul’s days.

Uzzah died and Israel mourned because David did not consult the Law of God to find out how to move the Ark. It was not to be transported on a cart but carried by Levites on specially prepared poles. David didn't seem to know that. Why? Perhaps it was because for many years during the reign of Saul (and possibly for much of the time of the Judges as well) the Law of God was ignored. People did things their own way and did not submit to the will of God.

That was the root of the the problem that day and is the root of the problem in many lives today. Of course, I am not talking about putting ourselves under subjection to all the legal, national or ceremonial aspects of the OT Law. But we must submit our lives and hearts to all that God's Word teaches and "observe all that (Christ) commanded you."

David and Israel thought they could simply live their lives their own way and saw the disastrous results of that. We must learn God's Word and subject ourselves completely to it. If we reject God's ways as they did we will reap the whirlwind as they did.

Father, may your Word be the authority and guide in my life every day.