What can we learn from David's fear about approaching God's presence? Setting the Scene: David’s Startling Awakening “David feared God that day and asked, ‘How can I ever bring the ark of God to me?’” (1 Chronicles 13:12). Moments earlier Uzzah had touched the ark and died (vv. 9-10). Joyful celebration halted; reverence flooded in. What David’s Fear Teaches about God’s Holiness • God’s presence is not casual. “Do not come any closer… the place where you are standing is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5). • Holiness is lethal to irreverence. “Our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29). • David’s emotion aligns with the consistent biblical response: Isaiah trembled (Isaiah 6:5); Peter fell on his face (Luke 5:8). Obedience Matters More Than Good Intentions • The ark was never to be placed on a cart (Exodus 25:14; Numbers 7:9). • Only Levites of Kohath could carry it by poles (Numbers 4:15). • David’s plan ignored the written instructions, and tragedy followed. Good motives never offset disregard for God’s explicit word (1 Samuel 15:22). Healthy Fear Versus Paralyzing Dread • “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). • David’s fear led to correction, not withdrawal. Three months later he moved the ark properly (1 Chronicles 15:2, 13-15). • Fear that produces repentance is life-giving; fear that pushes us away misunderstands grace (Psalm 130:3-4). Drawing Near by God’s Provision • Under the old covenant, strict procedures guarded approach. Under the new, Jesus has opened the way. “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus… let us draw near” (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Reverence remains: “Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28). Confidence and awe walk hand in hand. Practical Lessons for Today • Treat Scripture as final authority; know it, heed it, and avoid Uzzah’s presumption. • Cultivate a holy fear that fuels obedience and worship, not apathy or terror. • Rejoice that Christ fulfills the requirements we could never meet, yet remember the God we approach has not changed. • Before serving, examine motives and methods: are they biblically ordered or merely convenient? • Gather for worship with expectant joy and sober reverence—celebration anchored in the weight of glory. |
    |