365 Reflections

2 Samuel 6 contains a challenging passage for the casual Bible observer. 2 Samuel 6:2–3 (ESV) And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale-judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord of hosts who sits enthroned on the cherubim. 3 And they carried the ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. And Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart, What looks to be the most honorable gesture in David's early reign - to bring the Ark of the Covenant back to Israel - turns out to be deadly and confusing. Moments into the transport of this holy vessel this happens: 2 Samuel 6:5–7 (ESV) And David and all the house of Israel were celebrating before the LORD, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals. 6 And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, fo...

Do we realize how often our prayers or one-way non-stop conversations with a God who is worthy of our awe and reverence? Revelation 8:1 (ESV) When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. I like this moment. The great tribulation has happened and the saints have been brought home and clothed in white. Now the terrible judgment of God on the world is about to happen. But this moment is not flippant or celebratory. It is awe-filled and serious. God never judges off hand or "just because." His judgements are true, right, and holy. And we must stand before Him in awe and wonder. There are many places in the Bible where silence was commended. Ecclesiastes 5:1–2 (ESV) Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. 2 Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for...