Getting it Right the Second Time

Often we attempt things and it does not come out as we anticipated. We have utter failures when we thought we would ultimate success. Today as we start this series on our 2024 theme we want to get it right and sometimes that means going back to the drawing board.

In verse 13 we have the key to success and how to avoid failure especially when it come to worship. 13 Because you did not carry it the first time, the LORD our God broke out against us, because we did not seek him according to the rule.” (1 Ch 15:13).

Before we appreciate the events of 1 Chronicles 15 we must look at the tragedy in 1 Chronicles 13 when David initially wanted to bring the ark to Jerusalem.

David consulted with all the leaders and decided that it was time to bring the Ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem. It had been siezed by the Philistines and it became problematic for them. The ark was in the house of Abinadab. The word the entire assembly agreed to move it.

Now a brand new cart was secured and the ark was on its way. The people were worship. You had instruments playing, singing and praising in the procession. The word said all of Israel worshipped exuberantly with song and dance. If you asked me it was like the Florida A&M Marching Band or any other great HBCU dynamic band playing on there way to Jerusalem.

Yet something went wrong. One of the Oxen stumbled and Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark on the cart and died! Look at 2 Sam 6:6 The Lord killed him. 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, for the oxen stumbled. 7 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God. (2 Sa 6:6–7).

How celebration quickly turned to tragedy. Uzzah who was in charge to lead the ark into Jerusalem reached outed to steady the ark likely a natural reaction. It cost him his life. The word of God has clear instruction on handling the Ark. Num 4:15 but they must not touch the holy things, lest they die. (Nu 4:15).

If I read the story aright, it seems to me, first, that there was too little thought as to God’s mind upon the matter. David consulted the people, but he would have done better if he had consulted God.

So as we go into the new year we want to consult God more in 2024.

I am so ready to give God more praise but i want to hear from him more. The only way to do that is to go to him more. He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek him!

So the second attempt had to go right. 2 Sam 6:9 Out of fear David did not continue the process but left the Ark at Obed-edom house. It remain there for three months. The blessed the house Obed-edom.

It was time to to bring the Ark to Jerusalem bit bringing it the right way!

So contrasting worship we want to look at the missing ingredient. It was clear that David talked to the Lord and he reminded of the instructions.

1 Chronicles 15 gives you list of all who participated. 2 Sam says that Davis danced so much that his linen ephod exposed his personal parts. Yet David was not concerned about that. He was caught in the moment of giving God glory. Our worship should transport us to a whole other level.

Proper Preparation Brings Promising Results

15 David built houses for himself in the city of David. And he prepared a place for the ark of God and pitched a tent for it. (1 Ch 15:1).

Understanding Roles Relieves undesirable outcomes

2 Then David said that no one but the Levites may carry the ark of God, for the LORD had chosen them to carry the ark of the LORD and to minister to him forever. (1 Ch 15:2).

The Levites were given the assignment to carry the Ark. On their shoulders not placed on a cart.

Consecrate yourselves, you and your brothers, so that you may bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place that I have prepared for it. 13 Because you did not carry it the first time, the LORD our God broke out against us, because we did not seek him according to the rule.” 14 So the priests and the Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel. 15 And the Levites carried the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles, as Moses had commanded according to the word of the LORD. (1 Ch 15:12–15).

9 But to the sons of Kohath he gave none, because they were charged with the service of the holy things that had to be carried on the shoulders (Nu 7:9).

Gathering the People so all participates

3 And David assembled all Israel at Jerusalem to bring up the ark of the LORD to its place, which he had prepared for it. (1 Ch 15:3).

Not only did every understand their roles they all participated

Their were singers, gate keepers, musicians,

There was praise , shouting, celebration!!!