Forgetting Reverence

⁹When they came to ^(I)the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, because the oxen nearly upset it.
 ¹⁰The anger of the LORD burned against Uzza, so He struck him down ^(J)because he put out his hand to the ark; ^(K)and he died there before God.
 ¹¹Then David became angry because of the LORD'S outburst against Uzza; and he called that place ^[a]Perez-uzza to this day.


1 Chronicles 13:9-11


Many times I've read this scripture and been confused each time about how God could do this to someone for trying to help stabilize the falling Ark.  But as I meditated and sought out answers, God spoke to me through commentaries.  What we often fail to see here is that this is almost a story of God's mighty grace.  Yes, grace!  David, Uzzah and so many other men violated God commands on how to approach, look, & transport this holy Ark.  The book of Numbers reveals that only designated people (Levites) could come within a thousand yards, or 2,000 cubits, of the ark (Joshua 3:4).  It was supposed to be covered by at least 3 layers to conceal (Num 4:5-6, 15, 18-20).  When transported, it was supposed to be on the shoulders of Levites/priests and with poles.  


Up to the ox stumbling, God provided so much grace for all the irreverent acts. I'm sure there were tons of reminders and opportunities to correct this disrespect but as we can see through scripture, God had enough and provided one last opportunity, He allowed the ox to stumble and Uzzah's final act of irreverence caused his death.  It's almost as if God was telling the people, "I tried and tried to warn you but you didn't listen... you left me no other choice."


Just as our eyes only saw the very last event, God striking a seemingly innocent servant for doing what appeared to be good; we see life in current times the same.  We look at a situation or event, good or bad, with a very narrow lens.  Our eyes and minds focus on why this or that happened failing to look at the history, culture, and surrounding evidence of God's love.  When we stop to meditate on God's covering we can easily pinpoint many opportunities to turn from our worldly ways; but many go unnoticed or rejected.  


In my recent struggles I've been trying to focus and God's overall plan for my life, as best as this finite vessel is able.  I'm not saying the bad things are happening because I've disobeyed and now I'm being punished.  What I'm saying is that I need to broaden my perception and see how my actions today was shaped by the choices I made in the past.  And, how this will influence my decisions in the future.  It's all tied together and I need to draw upon God's Spirit to apply it, to live it.


Thank You Father God for Your mercy.  Help me see as You see so that I can better serve You.  Keep Your hedge of protection around Your children just enough so that we can persevere through the tough times.  Help us keep You elevated and reverent.  In Your Most Holy name I pray, Amen!