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1 Chronicles 13

Good Morning “Observers of EXACTLY What The Word Says.”  Today we are in 1 Chronicles 13.  

Water It down, soften It up, make It more seeker friendly and “loving” - at least from our perspective.  Thats exactly what some, really many, have done to The Word of God and God Himself in our world today.  Church’s fear reduced attendance more than they fear God so they soften, massage The Word its self - skip the parts that seem harsh or dogmatic.

Today reminds us that God is very specific in His commands and how we obey is just as important as obedience.  “Holy pure and PLEASING to God.” Romans 12:2

As David takes over the throne, and the nation begins to move back into Jerusalem - David reasons that the Arc of the Covenant needs to be back in its place.  ABSOLUTELY it does!  Everyone is in agreement.  

So he apparently hatches a plan to do it swiftly, conveniently and smoothly…
“They moved the ark of God from Abinadab’s house on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding it.”
‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭13‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

So, what’s the problem so far?  Seems right doesn’t it?
What do you remember from Exodus?  Specifically Exodus 25:10-16.  Here is an excerpt  “Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry it.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭25‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The Levite Priests, and even more specifically the Kohathites were the ones to carry The Arc of The Covenant, with poles, on their shoulders.  NO ONE was to touch it or they would die.  It’s why he had them put rings on the side of it and fashion poles to go through those rings.  Gods command was quite clear, He gave the instruction and promised the consequence if it was disobeyed.  All they had to do was follow it.  
(Numbers 4:15)

Back to today’s chapter.  The Arc is on the cart, the ox is pulling it and all is well… until it isn’t.  The ox stumbles, Uzzah reaches out his hand to steady it, The Lord Strikes him dead, and David was “angry because The Lords wrath broke out against Uzzah.”  

Why are we surprised when God does what He promises He will do?  Maybe because we’ve so softened His Word and even Him.  He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow (Hebrews 13:8).  His Word is clear.  He doesn’t play with it, and He doesn’t allow us to either.

Love you all!  Dig in!  You gotta know it to live it!