Uzzah
by Petra
“They moved the ark of God from Abinadab’s house on a new cart…” 1 Chronicles 13:7
…
U is for Uzzah
.
Uzzah,
son of Abinadab,
your name means strength
with arms stout enough
to put the ark
of God
on a cart.
.
Uzzah,
son of nobleness,
what were you thinking
when you chose an ox
to pull the ark
of God
on a cart?
.
Uzzah,
son of a Levite,
why was the ark not carried
on reverent shoulders
in honor
of God
and His glory.
.
Uzzah,
Son of impulse,
was the ark with you so long
that you should forget
that the law
of God
is most holy?
.
Uzzah,
Son of presumption,
did you assume God’s holiness
to be a mere convenience
you could claim
of God
to excuse sin?
.
Uzzah,
son of error,
life fell the moment you tried
to undo sin by adjusting
the holy ark
of God
with your hand!
.
Petra O. Hefner
Scripture Reference: 1 Chronicles 13
“Now let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.” 2 Chronicles 19:7
Further thoughts and ramblings…
How quick we are to right our wrong choices by placing the problem with something or someone else—the rut in the road, or the ox that turned aside. How quick we are to cover or try to fix a wrong—the perilous result of our disobedience—by using yet another wrong. We try to adjust that which is holy, perfect, immovable, and blameless (God’s law) with our unholy, imperfect, sinful hands (actions). But sin cannot expect to touch or adjust what is holy and expect to live!
Sin is the opposite of holiness, not its companion! God’s holiness does not excuse but execute sin by its own unsullied essence . But the holy—the holy son of God can touch what is holy, and live! Righteousness purifies, but sin only causes more sin and death! Therefore, Christ, and only Christ, can rightly right what is wrong, or raise what has fallen dead by His own perfect obedience. Christ is the only acceptable propitiation for sin!
The fault is never with God, His holiness or His law. God’s law condemns us because it is perfect and we’re not. It is never ever the other way around!
God is perfectly and righteously holy and without fault. If the ark had been carried as prescribed by God’s perfect law, this chapter of the bible would probably not exist. But here it is, teaching us that God’s law is perfect and that we should not try to adjust it to make things easier for us! If we do, our ox will stumble and cause a great mess!
Christ is our only hope!
Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. John 17:3
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. Matthew 5:17
____
Thank you for reading!
Photo by nsub1 Flickr
Very thought provoking, Petra.
From R. C. Sproul: “Uzzah assumed that his hand was less polluted than the earth. But it wasn’t the ground or the mud that would desecrate the Ark; it was the touch of man.”
How little do we know God’s holiness!
I agree. Persis! And we don’t revere God’s holiness near enough either! Blessings!
What a wonderful post and great reminder! “The fault is never with God, His holiness or His law.” Too many times I find “ruts” to blame rather than my plain old disobedience. Very sobering.
Thank you much, Gregg!
What a lovely reminder… and written so well.
Thank you much!
An excellent reminder and so well written, a pleasure to read.
Than you for the lovely comment much appreciated.
Yvonne.
You’re so welcome! Thank you for your encouragement!
This story has always puzzled me but your explanation is good and understandable. Thank you, Yvonne.
You’re welcome, Sandra! It has always puzzled me too!
Love your use of repetition here. Uzzah, is it bad that I always felt sorry for him?
I don’t think compassion is bad as long as we do not put the blame with God or His perfect law and holiness. We wouldn’t be human if we ran around with a stone cold heart. But, here’s a thought; until God intervenes we have a stone cold heart toward God and His righteousness, and warm fuzzy feeling toward sin, ’cause oftentimes sin looks so good and loving. God redirects this in us as we grow more in Him. Does that make sense? Blessings!
That was written so beautifully and such a reminder for all of us not to judge or ever blame one another.
Thank you, Doreen.
What an excellent poetry in such beautiful presentation! This is a truly fine post. Personal accountability doesn’t seem to be especially popular in today’s society.
Hope you join us in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge Reflections Mega Post on Monday May 2nd.
Lee
Ooh, thanks, Arlee! I don’t know that I can. My grand-cuties are coming and spending the week plus vacation at the beach! But thanks for the encouragement!
Great thoughts, Petra, and the poem was fantastic; especially the last stanza, which brought the entire thing to a magnificent, thought-provoking close. Well done (again)!
Thank you so much (again), Ink!
Thank you-memorable and an important thought. Will be meditating on this.
Sarah
You’re so welcome, Sarah! Thank you for the feedback!
Another wonderful poem and important message that will stick with me the rest of the day.
Thank you, Brianna! Glad it blessed you!
Loved the poem, Petra. Touched me in particular because part of my journey right now is learning not to make excuses for my wrong actions and responses but to own then for what they are, sin, and turn to the Father for forgiveness.
Thank you much, Val! I think that’s what we’re all learning! Blessings to you!
As usual, your poem teaches truth, touches hearts, and challenges us to re-examine our own attitudes. Your comments to others reveal your wise, dedicated and compassionate heart, Petra. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your kind feedback, Pam!
Oh Petra, This is awesome because I just finished doing a study on Uzzah to incorporate into my talk on the holiness of God soon. With your permission I would love to include your beautiful poem with my handout notes.
Thank you for this!