And when they came unto the threshingfloor of Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzza, and he smote him, because he put his hand to the ark: and there he died before God. 1 Chronicles 13:9-10 KJV
After David became king he sought to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem. The Ark was Israel’s meeting place with God. The desire was that Israel would enjoy God’s presence. They attempted to transport it on a cart pulled by oxen, but when the oxen stumbled Uzza reached out and touched the Ark to protect it. Uzza died on the spot as God’s judgment. The Law of God forbade anyone from touching the Ark and gave clear directions on how it was to be transported. David and the people wanted to do the right thing for the right reason but went about it the wrong way. Even today we have the notion that we can get right with God on our terms but to enjoy God’s presence we must do so on His terms.
Lord, why is it so difficult for us to understand that there is a right way and a wrong way to approach You? Protect me from reaching out to You on my terms rather than Your terms. Your terms protect me from the foolishness of my own actions.
