Tagged: Uzzah

The LORD was so furious with Uzzah, he killed him on the spot for his negligence. 2 Samuel 6:7 To read more of my reflections on 2 Samuel 6, click here. The word ḥârâ used for furious in this passage not only means to grow angry, but also to be grieved. This word has stuck with me in recent days.  What if our helping grieves the Lord? I recently stood with two dear African friends from two different nations as they recounted one way Western help has hurt. Historically, some helpers brought the Gospel to Africa wrapped in prosperity. In the process, suffering was omitted from the message of faith in the One who suffered to save humanity. Allured by illusions of quick solutions and… Read More

And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. 2 Samuel 6:6 Helping can hurt. The ark of God represented God’s holy presence. Not even the priests were allowed to touch it. But as they trundled over the uneven surface of the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah automatically reached out to steady God's Presence. Do we think by helping we can steady God? We cannot. God Himself is steadfastness and stability. Isaiah 33:6 says, “And He shall be the stability of your times.”  Can we steady the One who is Steadfastness? Can we stabilize Him who is Stability? Perhaps we should let… Read More