Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Reconciling Peace : After The Due Order

For because ye did it not at the first,
the LORD our God made a breach upon us,
for that we sought him not after the due order.
1 Chronicles 15:13



Another awesome thing about God is His tendency to allow do overs. These are opportunities I've taken advantage of numerous times in my life.

2 Samuel chapter 6 records the story of the Israel's and David's attempted to bring the Ark of the Covenant to the City Of David. David brought "all" the people with him, although the scriptures specifically stated that the Levites were responsible for the care and transportation of the Ark. So many times well meaning people are included on journeys and in undertaking various duties God has ordained for someone(s) specific to handle. The more the merrier some may say, but God has never been one to rely on numbers for success.

The next error was when they placed the Ark on a new cart. While it may sound complimentary to be placed on a new cart, it was actually an act of disobedience, possibly caused by what they saw other non Israelites get away with. When the Philistines wanted to remove the wrath of God from their land, they also placed the ark on a new car and had it pulled by cows, but the Phillistines didn't know better and they were not in a covenant relationship with God. To better explain this Israel's error imagine this. You've just received an expensive gift from a loved one, but you're not happy with the gift because you specifically asked for something else; a request you made from your heart. The expense of the doesn't compensate for your disappointment. A new cart could impress people, but it could not remove the fact that they were in disobedience. Per God's word the Ark was always to be carried by Levites. (Nothing Between my soul and my Savior). Oxen and a new cart could not substitute for the touch and the relationship.

"When they arrived at Nakhon's threshing-floor, the oxen stumbled; and 'Uzah put out his hand to steady the Ark of God. But ADONAI's anger blazed up against 'Uzah, and God struck him down on the spot for his offense, so that he died there by the Ark of God.(2 Samuel 6:6-7 CJ)"
Needless to say the journey was not completed that day. Instead the Ark was taken to the house of Obededom and stayed for three months.

This temporary failure is referenced by David in 1 Chronicles 15:13 where he says, "For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order." There is indeed an order in which God likes things to be done and his Word will not change so neither will his order. Fortunately our God is a God of new opportunities. The remainder of 2 Samuel records how David and the Israelites took advantage of the opportunity afforded and ended the journey with David dancing his way out of his religous garb, and into a greater relationship with and appreciation for God. Because they sought him after the due order.

I've got another opportunity to go after what God has always wanted me to have, and to do what God has called me to do. This time I'll seek Him, after the due order.

Pray for me.
Praying for y'all
SLC


2 comments:

QueenBee said...

I love this Bible story, especially when David dances. Too many times we get caught up in so much and hadn't even consulted with God yet. You are right, He likes things done in a certain order, in a certain way....decent and in order. It's plain and simple. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and everything else will be added to you. Great Post!

Mizrepresent said...

I appreciate this...as i am still on my journey to be a better Christian i look forward to hearing the word...and the word expained to me. Thank you so much for sharing...i have to let you know that you are apart of my everyday.