| Day 234: Read today's devotional on Bible Gateway. Stumbling into TragedyWhen they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the Ark. Then the Lord's anger was aroused against Uzzah, and he struck him dead because he had laid his hand on the Ark. So Uzzah died there in the presence of God. The Ark of God remained there in Obed-edom's house for three months, and the Lord blessed the household of Obed-edom and everything he owned.
(1 Chronicles 13:9-10, 14) ReflectUzzah died instantly for touching the Ark, but God blessed Obed-edom's home while the Ark resided there. Both men were caring for the Ark, so how could there be such opposite results? These two events demonstrate two aspects of God's character: He is perfectly just and perfectly loving. Great blessings come to those who obey God's commands, but severe punishment comes to those who disobey him. For those who cherish sin in their lives, "It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Hebrews 10:31). For those who do away with sin, "times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord" (Acts 3:20). Sometimes we focus only on the blessings God gives us, get too comfortable, and ignore his righteous justice. At other times, however, we concentrate so much on judgment that we miss his blessings. RespondDon't fall into a one-sided view of God. Along with God's blessings comes the responsibility of living with him—respecting his justice and cherishing his love. | 
No comments:
Post a Comment