The Ark comes to Jerusalem

I Chronicles Chapter 13

David consulted with his officials, including generals and captains of his army and then he addressed the entire assembly of Israel. He told them that that if they approved and if it was the will of the Lord, they would send messages to all the Israelites and invite them to come join him and bring back the Ark of God, since it was neglected during the reign of Saul.

The whole assembly agreed, so David summoned all the people and he and all Israel went to Baalah of Judah (also called Kiriath-jearim) to bring back the Ark. They transported it on a new cart with Uzzah and Ahio guiding it and David and all of Israel singing and playing musical instruments. But when they reached the threshing room floor at Nacon, the oxen stumbled and Uzzah put out his hand to steady the Ark. And the Lord's anger blazed out and killed Uzzah because he had laid his hand on the Ark.

Uzzah's death made David afraid of God and he wondered how to get the Ark back into his care. So he decided not to move the Ark into the City of David. He took it instead to Obed-edom of Gath and it remained there for three months and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and his entire household.

BIBLE NOTES SHOW: David was an effective leader because he took the time to confer with all his officers and others in his decisions. In 2 Samuel 5-6 it shows that David's building projects were completed before he brought the Ark to Jerusalem. The writer of Chronicles puts the moving of the Ark first in order to highlight David's spiritual accomplishments. David was angry that he had done something wrong in transporting the Ark, and caused a man to die. But leaving the Ark in OBed-edom's home, gave David tme to discover God's instructions for transportation and the next leg of the journey would be at God's command.

HOW DOES THIS CHAPTER RELATE TO US TODAY? Oh, gosh, if only our leaders of today would consult God first in making their decisions like David did. We can only pray that the day will come when they do. Effective leaders listen to other's opinions and encourage others to participate in decisions. But don't be too harsh on the ones we have in our time. Instead, pray that they will come around to God's way of thinking and doing.

I thought it was interesting that God had to wake David up by having a man die for touching the Ark. This reminded David that his obedience to God's law was more important than his own enthusiasm. David may have consulted with his officials, but he neglected to consult with his God. God can be harsh when commands are broken. But we must not concentrate so hard on judgment that we miss his blessings. God is not one-sided.

Yours in Christ,
Mary

Prayer Requests are needed for:
HEALTH:
Update on my niece Suzanne, she is healing but her leg was crushed and will take many months of doctoring. She is in a nursing home for rehab care. Pray for her healing. Also Gabe, Wanda, Janice Long’s parents. especially her mother whose cancer has returned, and Arlene’s nephew David. Pray for my neighbor Al who is nearing the end of his life. Pray for Carolyn’s brother Ronald who has cancer. Pray for our friend Michelle who was diagnosed with MS. Pray for Cyndi Sullivan who was given 14 months to live with cancer, but has made it six years. The pain has returned and she needs our prayers.
UPDATE on Barb who went in for back surgery and had a heart attack and stroke, she has 90 percent of her speech back and is home , but continues to have a problem with one arm and hand. She will require long therapy and insurance may soon be a problem since her job was not held for her.
Pray for Robert Sargent with lung cancer and Marthaline Sargent with serious health issues..
Pray for Carolyn’s friend Margaret and her husband who were in a car accident. As elderly drivers they may face a life change which may cost them their independence. Let’s all raise our voices to God to hear our prayers.
Pray for the speedy recovery of Sandy in Minnesota who underwent successful brain surgery for a tumor recently.
SPIRITUAL UPLIFTING: Gail, Mary
RESTORATION OF FAITH: Al, John
LOVE AND SUPPORT: Claire, Hunter, Brian
SUPPORT: Haiti, Chile, survivors of Japan’s earthquake, survivors of the devastating tornadoes in our southernmost states and Joplin, Missouri. Pray too, for our country’s leaders and our military people who die each day for our freedom.