And when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God. And David was angry because the Lord had broken out against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzza [the breaking out against Uzzah] to this day. And David was afraid of God that day, and he said, “How can I bring the ark of God home to me?” (1Ch 13:9-12)
And David inquired of God, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to him, “Go up, and I will give them into your hand.” And he went up to Baal-perazim, and David struck them down there. And David said, “God has broken through my enemies by my hand, like a bursting flood.” Therefore the name of that place is called Baal-perazim [the Lord of breakthrough]. And they left their gods there, and David gave command, and they were burned... And the fame of David went out into all lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations. (1Ch 14:10-12,17)
I spotted a connection last night that I had not seen before; a link between 1Chronicles 13 and 14. A progression and a contrast between the breakout at Perez-uzza and the breakthrough at Baal-perazim. In the first the Lord breaks out against Uzzah because of his presumptuous outstretched hand and brings the fear of God to the house of God. In the latter the Lord brings a breakthrough by David's (obedient) hand that brings the fear of God to the nations.
Now I don't believe that there has to be a breakout against a servant of God before there can be a breakthrough in God's purpose in the nations. I thank God that in his mercy and grace that doesn't have to be the way! But there is a progression. Before the fear of God can extend out to the nations it first has to be re-established amongst the people of God. Nadab and Abihu, Uzzah, Saul, Ananias and Sapphira - these warnings are recorded in the scriptures so we can learn from their mistakes and learn to fear God right and remember that to obey is better than sacrifice. God does not need our sacrifices, but he does expect our obedience.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. (Pr 9:10)
By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; (Pr 24:3)
Wisdom, and thus the fear of the Lord, are foundational for every established work of God.
4 comments:
Hey, I wrote before about your website. Sorry but could you help me understand what your writing about, thanks. I wrote a comment before about my wife who is a new christian. She says that one of the best communicators for her is Paul Scanlan. Christianity generally has got so complcated and alot of our friends would not understand any of the jargon in church. I like your site but can't understand much. Mabbe thats my fault. Anyway keep up the good work.
Hi Anonymous.
I'm pleased you like this blog, and that you still visit.
If you have any specific questions I'd be happy to answer them.
If we are going to have any meaningful dialogue though, I'd appreciate that you didn't post anonymously.
Hi my name is jon. Thanks for the comment. We found your site on the internet. Me and my wife were having a discussion last night and asking this question. If God loves everyone why does he allow unbelievers to go to hell. Do you think there are grey areas? IE if people don't have the opportunity to accept Jesus and maybe have not had the chance or never understood what happens when they die.There must be millions of people like this in the UK.
Hi Jon.
I know that God loves everyone, even the worst of sinners. I know that he will judge everyone fairly for what they have done. But I also know that no one is good enough to meet God's standards on their own merit. We all fall short in one way or another. The forgiveness offered by Jesus is the only way. If it were not, a God of love would surely not have sent his only beloved son to die such a horrible death, and he would have surely heard his anguished cries from the garden.
Faith in Jesus is the only way to be sure of eternal salvation. It's why it is so important to tell people about him.
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