Doing Things God’s Way
BRD REFLECTION 2025
1 Chronicles 12:1-40, 13:1-14 and Psalm 71:1-24 (NIV)
(Jabez Fong, Pastoral Associate)
READ:
1 Chronicles 13:5–14 (NRSVue)
OBSERVE:
David and Israel decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. In verse 7 we see the jubilation that filled the Israelites as they began transporting the Ark to where it belonged. Yet things quickly turned for the worse when the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah – one of the cart drivers – reached out to steady the Ark and was struck dead.
One must read Exodus 25:14-15, Numbers 4:4-6, 15-20 and Numbers 7:6-9 to understand this. In these passages (particularly Numbers 4), we see God’s commands on how the Ark should be handled. It had to be thoroughly wrapped up and carried by the Kohathite family of the Levite clan. All these commandments were not adhered to by David and Israel, resulting in the tragedy of Uzzah’s death.
APPLY:
As I reflect on this passage with the other passages that provide the context of why this happened, I am reminded of a few things.
First, God is uniquely holy, and I must approach Him reverently. When Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark, coming into contact with the holiness of God cost him his life. This does not mean that I cannot approach God, but my posture and recognition of God’s holiness must guide my approach.
Secondly, I am reminded of the importance of knowing God and His commandments. David and Israel desired a good thing – God’s presence to be with them in Jerusalem. Yet their methods of transporting the Ark deviated from God’s command, and all this could have been avoided if David and the Israelites had been familiar with God’s commandments. This reminds me that my decisions and actions – even good ones – can lead to destruction if they are not measured against God’s commandments, which are perfect and pleasing.
DO:
I will read scripture more intentionally, desiring to understand God and what He requires of me. I want to not only be content in knowing, but also live according to God’s will in my life.
PRAY:
Father, help me desire to please You in the way You have called me to. As I follow and serve You, help to reveal any issues in the way I seek and serve You, and continue to reveal Your perfect and holy will to me through Your Word each day as I desire to grow into the likeness of Christ. Amen.
