In the last post, we went over the story of king David’s attempt to relocate the Ark of God. An attempt that ended in the death of a good person. The shock, confusion, and anger are acute. David sat in that anger for a while. Though he didn’t blame God, he was angry and confused.
Let’s explore this scene a little deeper today because I want you to understand that on the other side of a really hard thing, lies an overwhelming blessing.
David had to persevere and figure this thing out. ‘What went wrong? Where did I miss it? Why did Uzzah die?’ These are the questions that David wrestled with. Notice especially that not once do we see David blaming God for what happened. Anger, yes, but not blame.
This is key: when we blame God, we shut down the avenues of answer.
We eliminate the possibility of redemption.
It is never God who is at fault – it is our limited human understanding.
I can imagine that David got his advisors and prophet together and they worked this thing out. ‘How did we mess up in the transportation of the Ark? Are there specific rules that we are supposed to follow when moving it?’
Going back to the Law of Moses, it was discovered that by carrying it on their shoulders, only the Priests may transport the Ark. Also, there were specific sacrifices to be made during this transition.
It takes a few months for David to process this whole debacle, but he pushed through. He didn’t just let it sit and say “OK God, you don’t want me to move the Ark, I’ll never touch it again. You don’t want me to do good things for you? Fine, I won’t even try.” No, David was wise enough to recognize that his human understanding, even with godly intention, isn’t good enough. He still needed God. In the kingdom of Heaven, there are laws and principles, consequences and blessings. Both our intentions and our actions matter a great deal.
There is a blessing that waits on the other side of pushing through hard things. Look at this incredible blessing that waited for David after the Ark of God was moved to Jerusalem:
I have always taken care of you, David.
I have always been with you.
I am going to make you as famous as the greatest leaders in the world.
I will be a father to your children.
You will always have descendants, and I will make your kingdom last forever.
Your dynasty will never end.2 Samuel 7:8-17
Wow! What divine favor. This blessing doesn’t just stand for David in his lifetime but stretches though eternity. You may never know the full impact of your choices to persevere but understand that you are setting the stage for generations unborn.
Fundamental principles here:
Perseverance. David worked through his stuff.
Assuming responsibility: “Where and how did I go wrong?”
Repentance.
Get up and try again with God.
Great blessing and favor for you and generations unborn.