What would you do if you possessed something that had proved fatal to anyone who touched it?
King David is faced with this pressing situation as he is seeking to bring the Ark of God back to it's rightful place in Jerusalem.
David, after seeing Uzzah struck dead upon touching the ark, gives the ark to one of his faithful servants. When David finds himself stuck in bit of a difficult situation, between a "rock and a hard place" if you will, David decides he is willing to sacrifice others for his own benefit.
Can you imagine the fear of those who escorted the ark on the rest of the journey after Uzzah's untimely death? They surely must have been terrified that the same fate was awaiting them!
Three months pass, and David begins to have second thoughts about his placement decision as he hears reports that his servant, Obed Edom is being abundantly blessed rather than struck dead while the ark is in his possession.
After much thought and consideration, David orders that they attempt again to bring the ark back to its rightful place, but this time, David decides to read the manual!
Sure enough, right there in plain black and white, the clear instructions are given, to "keep your hands off the ark!"
David has the sacrificial offerings prepared in abundance and then watches from a short distance. The Levites take their first step, then the next step, and the next. After six steps, no one has died!
"That's far enough" David exclaims, "It's time to stop and worship and exalt in God our Savior."
Six short steps! Six steps that led to sacrifice and joy.
When God's people tried to enter his presence the easy way (carrying the ark on an oxen cart), their uninformed method brought death, fear, and anger.
When they chose instead to follow God's clearly written method (carrying the ark on their shoulders), they were blessed and flooded with joy as they entered the presence of God.
Enjoying the presence of God requires knowing the guidelines and following his ways with a willingness to go the extra mile!
Sometimes all that requires is six short steps!
As always, thanks for reading the ramblings of a pair of Cheeks! :-)
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