Reflection: The Power of the Ark
‘Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore, God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God.’ 2 Samuel 6:6-7, NIV
Waters parted, armies were laid waste, walls came tumbling down. If you grew up in the faith of the desert fathers, you would have been regaled with legendary stories of the covenantal chest. See, ceremonial boxes carried on poles were not uncommon in ancient Egypt. But this God-designed box wasn’t just a ceremonial repository for covenantal mementos. This was, itself, a potent object, with God’s residing power to bless and power to curse.
Despite the passing of generations, you’d think God’s people could never forget the reputation and rules surrounding this deadly-sacred object. But they do.
The ark has been in enemy hands and now, with great fanfare, and 30,000 troops, King David is bringing it back home, but not in the God-designated way. Ox cart lurches, box slides, caretaker’s son Uzzah reaches to steady it, and zap! He’s dead.
Anger. Fear. Confusion grips the king. So, there he parks the ark. For three months he parks this frighteningly holy box in someone’s* home. And guess what? In the briefest of terms, we’re told: the Lord blessed his household and everything he had. (1 Chronicles 13:14)
Prayer: I’m sobered by your power to curse and to bless, Lord.
I’m reminded that, though well-intentioned, I too get presumptuous – even careless – in my everyday worship. Keep us, your church, attentive and useful as you powerfully transform your world.
* Obed-Edom – a Levite/a designated caretaker of the ark who was living there (1 Chronicles 26:4) The whole story can be found in 1 Chronicles 13:6-12.