Party but remember the Principles

Read 2 Samuel 6.

With David now fully in charge as king, the nation united, and the Philistines defeated, David then acted on a central priority for establishing his leadership.  He wanted to the Ark of God brought to Jerusalem and to establish that city as the center of worship.  The parade began with 30,000 elite soldiers on the march with music and great celebration.  The Ark had been placed on a brand new cart for the procession.

Immediately, a good Bible student would notice a huge violation of the scriptures.  The Ark was to be carried on poles by the priests, not driven on a cart (Exodus 25:10-15).  When one of the oxen stumbled, Uzzah put his hand on the Ark to steady it.  This again was a violation of the scriptures on how the Ark was to be moved.  God killed him instantly.  That stopped the music and the parade. 

David became angry with God.  Here they were trying to do a good thing and this happened.  As a result of David's feelings, they found a local farmer, Obed-edom, to temporarily house the Ark.  God richly blessed this unsuspecting farmer and his family.  After three months, David finally brought the Ark to Jerusalem.  First, he worshipped.  This may have been in repentance for his anger and certainly to honor the LORD before they went any further.  He became so caught up in the celebration that he broke out in dancing "with all his might."  It was a happy day!

Meanwhile, back home, Michal, Saul's daughter, could not wait to criticize him.  She overlooked entirely the spiritual impact of what just took place.  Her surface issue was David's actions during the celebration.  But her root issue was the lingering hurt and anger at David.  She had been promised to David by Saul.  David paid the dowry, yet Saul gave her to another man.  After the death of Saul, David took Michal by force from her husband (2 Samuel 3:12-16).  We are not told if this conflict was ever resolved between them, only that she never bore children.

This story gives us four reminders to live by:

1. God's Word is written down for us and is there for our instruction.  It does not change with time or culture.  It is always our reliable source.  There are direct consequences for our obedience or for our disobedience.

2. God can take care of Himself.  He really does not need our help.  It is a privilege that He calls us to participate with Him in what He wants accomplished in this world of His.

3. Many are too quick to blame God when things do not go as they had planned.  Seek first to know if there was a violation of His Word.  If so, then repentance is the next step in order to make things right with God and to get one’s life back on track.

4. There will always be someone who will misunderstand our pure motives.  Most often the misunderstanding is related to a previous hurt or anger.  Seek to resolve the real issue, if at all possible.