Topic: The Privilege of Being in God’s Presence by Tony Evans Ministry – The Urban Alternative 12 July  2024

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The Privilege of Being in God’s Presence

In His Presence: “The Lord has blessed the house of Obededom and all that belongs to him, on account of the ark of God” (2 Samuel 6:12).

In 2 Samuel, we read how David decided to bring the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem. However, he did not move it the way God commanded that it should be transported in Exodus 25. The Levities were commissioned by God to be the ones to carry this important part of Israel’s worship. Instead of following what he knew was right, David decided the ark, which represented the very presence of God, would be more secure on a new cart with the Levities walking in front of it. He ignored God’s instructions!

Whenever we sidestep what we know is right before the Lord, we end up getting into serious trouble. This situation was no different. David had also ordered an elaborate display for the ark’s arrival—all of Israel was to be on hand for the event. However, as the procession crested a small hill, the oxen became upset and the ark started to slide.

Without thinking, Uzzah reached out and touched the ark, and the anger of the Lord burned against him. God struck him down because of his irreverent attitude, and suddenly the celebration came to a halt (2 Samuel 6:7). David was stunned. His plans had failed. So he took God’s ark from the threshing floor of Nacon to the house of Obed-edom. It wasn’t until three months later that God allowed the ark to be moved to Jerusalem. This time, David got it right and sent the Levities to personally move the ark to its new home.

When it comes to worship, God does not kid around. We may laugh and sway to the music being played in our worship services, but God wants our hearts to reflect the purity and holiness that His Word commands.

As the ark entered Jerusalem, David danced “before the Lord with all his might” (2 Samuel 6:14). This time He knew that he had done what was right from God’s perspective rather than his own. Do you limit your worship of God to Sundays or other religious events? If so, you could be moving dangerously toward touching something that God has said for you to keep holy.

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How you handle the things of God goes a long way in determining the character of your worship and whether you will be blessed or cursed.

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