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Self-Cleaning System

by Wayne Cordeiro on April 30, 2021

Today's Reading:
2 Samuel 6; 1 Chronicles 13; Psalm 68; Matthew 17

Scripture

“David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD with all kinds of instruments made of fir wood, and with lyres, harps, tambourines, castanets and cymbals. But when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out toward the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen nearly upset it. And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence; and he died there by the ark of God.” (2 Samuel 6:5-8)

Observation

This passage of Scripture always seemed unfair. Uzzah was struck down just because he was trying to help steady the ark. I was a bit confused until I realized that the ark was never meant to be put on an ox cart. It was to be carried on the shoulders of the Levites. That was a point of well-known obedience they had compromised. Their dancing turned into mourning shortly after arriving at the threshing floor of Nacon. Later on, however, having first acknowledged their error and carried it correctly, David would dance and dance without shame (even in his underwear!).

The first “celebration” was empty. When I have unresolved sin residing within, my worship and my public adoration is will have form without depth. However, when I come clean and allow God to cleanse my heart; when I do what is necessary to make my life and walk right, my worship takes on a whole new dimension!

Application

I want to be like David. I ask God to constantly put divine surveillance on my heart. I ask God to install in me a “self-cleaning” system so I may dance freely. There’s nothing like the joy that comes from an unspoiled, uncontaminated heart that is free from any pretense whatsoever. It is always easier to look good on the outside than to be good on the inside. One takes skill, but the other takes courage. One can be accomplished through cunning, but the latter is only possible through genuine character. I cannot settle for the former. I must dance without restraint and without fear … except for the underwear part.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, You are so righteous in all Your ways. Help me to keep my heart clear of unresolved sin. Thank You for being patient with me because I am like Uzzah a lot of times. I want to do what I think is right but instead, I need to do what’s obedient to Your commands and instructions! I realize that there have been many instances where I should have been struck down like Uzzah, but Your mercies have kept me dancing! Thank You!

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