The Perils of Presumption (Part 1)

Posted on October 16, 2024

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The Perils of Presumption (Part 1)

Over the next two sessions as we follow on with the characteristics of wisdom, one of the many benefits is deliverance from presumption. Heeding all that was stated in the referenced post and the warning in Hebrews 2:1 (MSG) will be a life saver, so you don’t lose the life you freely received in Christ. Today, let’s take our first example of presumption as we see from 1 Chronicles 13.

**1 Chronicles 13:1-3 introduces an episode containing a presumptuous act, immediately followed by a sobering display of divine justice. However, this time, one of the most respected names in Israelite history is directly involved. It is the story of Uzza’s sudden death while moving the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred and revered of Israelite objects. The Ark, representing the throne of God and containing the tablets of stone Moses received from God on Mount Sinai, normally resided in the Holy of Holies.
 
David desired to move the Ark to Jerusalem to continue to consolidate the kingdom under himself. As they were moving it on an oxcart, the oxen stumbled, and the Ark appeared to be toppling to the ground. Uzza, in what may have been pure reflex, put out his hand to steady the Ark, but upon touching it, he was immediately struck dead (verses 9-10)! At first, David was angry that God ruined his party (verses 8, 11) – as the whole atmosphere of the Ark’s transfer was celebratory – but shortly after, he became extremely fearful (verse 12).

It must have dawned on him that God had given strict instructions for transporting the Ark, found in Numbers 4:4,15,17-20:

This is the service of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of meeting, relating to the most holy things: . . . And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the furnishings of the sanctuary, when the camp is set to go, then the sons of Kohath shall come to carry them; but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These are the things in the tabernacle of meeting which the sons of Kohath are to carry. . . . Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying: “Do not cut off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites; but do this in regard to them, that they may live and not die when they approach the most holy things; Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint each of them to his service and his task. But they shall not go in to watch while the holy things are being covered, lest they die.” 
Numbers 4:4,15,17-20 (NKJV)

Everyone in the whole procedure from David on down was guilty of disobeying God’s instructions regarding the most holy things. David failed to consult with the High Priest – or any priest, for that matter – regarding how the Ark should be moved. Evidently, no priest protested that proper procedures were not being followed. Good intention is never an excuse to set the word and will of God aside as they did!

To God, when Uzza reached out and touched the Ark as it seemed about to topple off the cart, it was no act of heroism but the final act of desecration, arrogance, and presumption. The last thing presumed was that Uzza’s hand was less defiling than the earth that he feared would contaminate the Ark, after all the altar of worship God commanded to be constructed was to be from earth or hewn stones (Exod. 20:24-25).

God did not want the symbol of His throne contaminated by the evil that manifested itself in a whole string of rebellions against His specific instructions. There was nothing arbitrary, capricious, or whimsical in God’s action 
— **John W. Ritenbaugh

In the words of Brother John W. Ritenbaugh – “Jesus teaches us to address God as “Father,” a title suggesting familiarity, yet we are also to pray, “Hallowed be Your name.” God shows us from the action and reaction captured in the Uzzah incident that, if reverence is due to the symbols used in His worship, how much greater reverence must be given to the realities of the New Covenant?

Those involved in this incident were well-intentioned, but it illustrates for all generations that God still requires conformity with word and will. You can see why the charge on embracing the wisdom that comes from the mouth of our God. Will you? Selah.


Pastor Afolabi Oladele

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