1 Chro.13:1-14, Do you live in the center of God?

1 Chro.13:1-14,  Do you live in the center of God

1-14,
1.David conferred with each of his officers, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds.
2.He then said to the whole assembly of Israel, "If it seems good to you and if it is the will of the LORD our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our brothers throughout the territories of Israel, and also to the priests and Levites who are with them in their towns and pasturelands, to come and join us.  3.Let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we did not inquire of it during the reign of Saul."
4.The whole assembly agreed to do this, because it seemed right to all the people.  5.So David assembled all the Israelites, from the Shihor River in Egypt to Lebo Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim.
6.David and all the Israelites with him went to Baalah of Judah (Kiriath Jearim) to bring up from there the ark of God the LORD, who is enthroned between the cherubim -- the ark that is called by the Name.
7.They moved the ark of God from Abinadab's house on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding it.
8.David and all the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before God, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, cymbals and trumpets.
9.When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled.
10.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.
11.Then David was angry because the LORD's wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah.
12.David was afraid of God that day and asked, "How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?"  13.He did not take the ark to be with him in the City of David. Instead, he took it aside to the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite.
14.The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in his house for three months, and the LORD blessed his household and everything he had.

* Testimony of George Beverly Shea      I'd rather have Jesus than anything (Hymn # 94).

Do you live in the center of God (Jesus)? King David wanted to bring the ark of their God, which means God's presence, back to the city of Jerusalem. All the people agreed and said that God wanted them. But when Uzzah died in the process of moving it, David was afraid and decided to place the ark of the covenant in the house of Obed-edom. Through the text, the Lord speaks of God-centered life.

1. Follow the will of God (Jesus) rather than your good intention(1-4)

   It was good that King David was going to bring the ark of God to Jerusalem. He discussed with the commanders and explained to all the people (2-3). All were pleased (4). So it seems that there is no defect in this work. But David did not consider God's will. (3) He did not ask God's will for how to bring it. He did not know the right way to bring it. It was in the good intention of protecting the ark that the dead Uzzah was trying to catch the ark. But this was an act that ignored the principles of God and was judged.
* Are you seeking God's will and standards rather than your own good?

2. Follow God's Word or instructions rather than dedication /sincerity or convenience /efficiency (5-8).

  King David and the people made a great commitment. 30,000 people gathered from all over the country (1 Sam. 6). The orchestra (8) and new wagons were also mobilized. The cows also prepared. It was a tremendous procession. His devotion and theirs were great. It was a more efficient and convenient way to carry the priests of the Kohathites to the wagon than to carry them on the shoulders with sticks (Num. 4:15). But carrying the ark of the covenant had to follow God's direction. As soon as Uzzah touches, he is dead. * Do you live in a position of commitment / sincerity, convenience / efficiency? Or do you follow God's Word and instructions?

3. Ask and learn from the place where you made the mistake like David (9-14).

    David was afraid of God with the death of Uzzah, and caused the ark to remain in the house of Obed-edom. The LORD blessed his house and all his possessions. King David knew God's will and instructions. As the word of the LORD he made the priests of the sons of Levi carry the ark of the covenant and they carried it(15:15). After this event, King David asked God, and God answered him(14:10-15). David's reputation spread throughout the entire world (14: 10,13,17). * Are you Perez Uzzah, or the house of Obed-Edom?(11,14)

Prayer/ Lord, in the center of our life, let us take You and ask You what You want and do. Let us inquire of the Word, and know the will of the Lord every day. Amen!