a right focus on God

When David was beginning his reign he decided to put the first attention on God. He decided to bring the Ark of God which contained the Ten Commandments inscribed on stone back to Jerusalem. David said in 1 Chronicles 13:3 "It is time to bring back the Ark of our God, for we neglected it during the reign of Saul." His intentions are good but his execution is incomplete. David fails to review God's instructions for proper handling of the Ark. As a result, when the Ark is transported God became angry and one of the unqualified men who touched the Ark was struck down by the Lord. David was angered that a man who was trying to do a good thing in steadying the Ark would be put to death. But a few chapters later, in 1 Chronicles 15, David gets it right. He says, in verse 2, "No one except the Levites may carry the Ark of God. The Lord has chosen them to carry the Ark of the Lord and to serve him forever."
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It occurs that while it is a good thing to purpose to return to the Lord, or to make God our center, it is critical to remember that we come to Him out of obedient response. We must not think that God is a pawn under our control. He has defined the narrow path through which we find forgiveness and gain access to His presence. Faith in His Son, Jesus, is the only way. If we try to carry God into our lives on any other terms we will fall. Ultimately, David brought the Ark of God back with a great celebration. David was persistent to find the right path to honor God. I am challenged by that focus!
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blessings,
Rob Smith