Helping God?

When you read 1 Chronicles chapter 13 for the first time you'd probably feel the same thing I felt about the death of a man called Uzza. Here's what happened.

Under the leadership of David, the Ark of the Covenant is now being transported back to Israel. At some point into the journey the oxen that carried the Ark stumbled. Fearing that the Ark may fall over, Uzza reached out and held onto the Ark to steady it. And it was recorded in verse 13 ... "The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God".

Whoa! I know. Doesn't seem like the man did wrong and to die on account of his actions doesn't quite compute in our modern minds today. But let's not forget the fact that we do not know anything about this man, about his lifestyle, his devotion towards God, his philosophy in life! God alone knew him! God is full of compassion and is just. So when God did what He did back then, rest assured He did not made a mistake. You and I, like David back then, may not understand God's actions but we do know that God is all good.

That day, God wasn't the only one that got angry. "Then David was angry because the Lord's wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah". BUT David did not take his anger out on God. Although he couldn't understand back then, He knew the God he had served. He even proclaimed in one of his psalms later ... "The Lord is my Shepherd ...". So, why did God strike Uzza? Let me explain.

The Ark of the Covenant is most sacred. It represents the very presence of God himself back then. According to God's laws and WARNINGS, no man EXCEPT the appointed priests are allowed to tend to the Ark. No man is EVER, EVER allowed to touch it EXCEPT for the appointed priests. Everyone in Israel knew about the law and the dire consequence that follows had they broken the oracles of God. YET, irregardless of the laws, Uzza reached out his hands and touched the Ark. In his mind he thought he was doing the right thing ... helping God. In actual reality Uzza was violating the very laws of God. And the penalty that follows was death of which God executed immediately (Let's not forget that they were under LAW back then, not under GRACE like we are today).

That's one of the main problems with Christians today under Grace. They have the appearance of righteousness but only God alone know what's in their hearts, their intents and their hidden lifestyle. Because of wealth, of expertise, of influence, many thought they are in a better position to "help" God. Like Uzza, they would justify their actions even if they were to be the agents that cause divisions among the brethren.

The truth about 1 Chronicles 13 is this ... that God be God, He doesn't need our self righteous help. Fact is, God didn't need Uzza's help that day even if the oxen had stumbled totally! He is the supernatural God. The laws of Gravity doesn't apply to Him. The people of God back then would have seen God's supernatural hands in actions that day had Uzza not interfered. God Himself would have upheld the Ark of the Covenant supernaturally. This is who He is. This is His department and His alone and no man is allowed to lift a finger to His Ark. Why didn't Uzza obey?

It's our privilege and honor to be able to serve God in partnership in His Kingdom. Our availability doesn't mean God need us or is dependent upon us. Our availability doesn't suggest that we are smart and talented and therefore the best person to be in His service. Our availability does not imply that God needs us to fight His battles. If anything at all, our abilities only serve to make us more arrogant, more self righteous and many of us put on the "appearance of righteousness" but denying the power thereof.

Let me remind us today to remain humble and at all times before the Creator of the universe, the Author of all things living. Let us look at our actions and judge it against the intent of our own hearts and the fruits that we bear. Is it really of God? Do we think we are really helping God? Have our successes and wealth and talents and experiences and influence make us think of ourselves more highly that we ought to? Let's not forget the world is watching us. Will they see in us disciples of Jesus?

Maranatha!