Introduction

Good morning, beloved family of God. I am delighted to be standing here, in this sacred space, where we gather to break bread and share the Word. It is a joy and a privilege to be in fellowship with you all.

Today, we find ourselves in the pages of 1 Chronicles, specifically, in chapter 13, verses 7 to 12. This passage is a rich tapestry, woven with threads of sacrifice, sanctity, and steadfastness. It is a passage that invites us to reflect, to learn, and to grow in our understanding of what it means to serve God and to be in His presence.

The great Charles Spurgeon once said, "Visit many good books, but live in the Bible." Today, we are not just visiting, but living in the Bible, allowing its words to shape us, to challenge us, and to guide us.

So, let's read the passage together: "They moved the ark of God from Abinadab's house on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding it. David and all the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before God, with songs and with harps, lyres, timbrels, cymbals and trumpets. When they came to the threshing floor of Kidon, Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the ark, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he had put his hand on the ark. So he died there before God. Then David was angry because the Lord's wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah. David was afraid of God that day and asked, 'How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?'"

Sacrificial Standards for Sacred Service

In the passage we read, we see David and the Israelites transporting the Ark of the Covenant. This was not just any piece of furniture or a simple religious artifact. It was the most sacred object in Israelite worship, a symbol of God's presence among His people. It was so holy that only certain individuals were allowed to handle it, and even then, they had to follow specific procedures.

When we think about our own service to God, we can see a parallel. Just as the Ark was sacred, so too is our service to God. It's not something we should take lightly or approach casually. It's something that requires our utmost respect and reverence.

Now, let's consider the way the Ark was transported. It was placed on a new cart, pulled by oxen. This was a common way to transport heavy objects in those days. But was it the right way to transport the Ark? According to the Law of Moses, the Ark was to be carried on the shoulders of the Levites, using poles that were inserted through rings on the sides of the Ark. This brings us to our first point.

When we serve God, we must do so according to His instructions, not according to our own ideas or convenience. This is called the Regulative Principal–worshipping God as He has commanded us. God has given us His Word, the Bible, as a guide for how we should live and serve Him. We can't just make up our own rules or do what seems easiest or most convenient. We must follow God's instructions, even when it's difficult or inconvenient.

Sanctity in the Service of the Ark

As we reflect on the sanctity in the service of the Ark, we find ourselves in the midst of a scene that is both awe-inspiring and sobering ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO