Sunday Message, 12/3/2023, 11.30am

 

Uzzah and learning to serve in the manner pleasing to God2Sa6:1-23

 

 

Read <2Sa 6:8-11>

1. Good intentions gone bad.

1) The ark of covenant represents Yahweh's presence. How can God be laid aside in the Davidic kingdom?

 

2) What was Uzzah's error?

(1)  The ark was put on a cart instead of being carried. <Num 4:15>

(2)   He touched the ark. <Num 4:15,20>

(3)   He did not trust God's care over the ark and is self-deluded into thinking that God needs his assistance.

 

3) Why has God chosen to strike Uzzah down?

(1)  This passage has the inspiration from God that proves contrary to human preferences.

(2)  God has the right to make some persons examples of His just displeasure against sins.

(3)  God is most severe in things which immediately concern His worship and service, and those nearest to Him.

(4)  To leave room for Uzzah to repent, the blow to his body and soul may not be that great.

 

2.    How did David learn to serve in the manner pleasing to God? <v8-12>

1) Clearly, David sought to know what went wrong, i.e. good intentions can be sinning.

(1) He was displeased <v8>

(2) He was afraid of Yahweh <v9>

Read <2Sa 6:9>

 

2) He humbled and learnt what exactly happened, and the proper procedure of bringing the ark to him. <v10-12>

 

3.    What did David do to right things?

1) The bible balances truth. The fear of God stimulates joy. <v12>

 

2) David is carefully entreating God and praising Him for His mercy. <v13>

 

3) He expressed his inward joy and thankfulness to God externally <14-15>

 

4) This leads to another tragedy: Michal despised David. <v16>

 

5) David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before Yahweh <v17>

 

6) He blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts. <v18>

 

7) He gave everyone some simple food. <v19>

 

8) David returned to bless his household. <v20>

 

4.    The two events to bring the Ark of the Covenant to the City of David (v2-11 and v12-23) were marked by tragedy. <21-23>.

Read<2Sa 6:21-23>

1) There is contempt, because Michal is concerned with royal dignity, proper etiquette, outward appearance. <v20-21>

 

2) For David humility before God is dignity. <v22>

 

3) Can it be right to give coldness to Christ and enthusiasm to the world?