Today I read the story of how God struck down Uzzah when he touched the ark of the covenant after the Israelites put the ark on an ox cart rather than carrying it on poles. I remember listening to a Daily Audio Bible podcast where the host, Brian, explained a little of what seemed like such a harsh punishment. The ark was supposed to be carried by the Levites on poles. The ark was moved around on an ox cart, like the Philistines had done. It seems that God was trying to make a point. The ark was the glory of God on earth. So, how are we carrying that glory? Are we throwing it onto an ox cart and shuffling it around? Or are we carrying God's glory like he intended us to carry it? I love the way Brian explained it.
This reading also contained the famous story of David and Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. Despite David's adulterous and murderous behaviour, God uses the situation to carry on the lineage of a blessed people tracing all the way back to Noah and Abraham. Eventually, it will lead to Jesus Christ. I love how Christ's ancestry includes prostitutes, extramarital partners, theives, etc. God was able to work through the lives of sinners who turned to God and eventually put their faith in Him. Cool beans. For example, Bathsheba became pregnant after David slept with her. Bathsheba gave birth to the famous Solomon. Solomon would become the richest, most powerful, and wisest man who ever lived.
David's deed does not go unpunished. Nathan, a prophet, speaks to David on behalf of God, rebuking David for his sin, saying, "I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel... The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the LORD show utter contempt, the son born to you will die" (2 Sam. 12:11-13). The LORD killed David's first child with Bathsheba, but eventually, they gave birth to Solomon. The Lord moves in situations and can use even those of us who have messed up to bring divinity, love, and justice into the world. Thank you, Lord!
1510 pages to go!
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