The Chronicler relates the events surrounding the entry of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. The Ark, as we recall, was a sacred object because it was the symbol of Yahweh’s sovereign rule as it represented His throne, His dwelling place with His people. Thus it was vital that it be brought to the capital city to confirm God’s blessing on David as His anointed King. Yet David made a grave error when deciding to transport the Ark. He consulted the people and the Levites, but not the Lord. All failed in their responsibility to consult the Lord to determine what was the right way to transport the Ark. The will of the people prevailed and disaster struck.
Perhaps they did not realize the full importance of the symbolic nature of the Ark. The people did not treat it with the respect, awe and holiness that the Lord deserves. If they had realized how holy and awesome God is and how sinful they were, they would have kept their distance. The lesson I see here is the necessity of consulting the Lord in prayer and in His revealed word before we act, especially when we act in the Lord’s name to do His work. Democratic means can and do often lead us astray as we humans are prone to selfishness and carnal desires. In governing our congregation we should always pray before we make decisions concerning the church. In that way we can beseech the Holy Spirit for wisdom and guidance. If we act in the flesh and refuse to heed His will, we will suffer the consequences.
Comments