The misled leader 2
and the teetering vessel of the Lord
Study 2.
The conflict described in 2 Samuel 6 is really a conflict between David and the Lord. Although it is an incident with dire consequences, despite its dramatic beginning, it is an extremely powerful departure for David, a cleansing and righting of his personal identity and his worship. The spiritual foundation of his kingdom was here solidified for the next period of history.
....
When David entered the new, triumphant era of his life as king of his nation, he was subject to the ordinances as were all Levitical priests and leaders. So he had to be informed about the transport of the ark.
Well. He was not informed.
Two things, two perspectives, can certainly be learned from this.
The leaders of society have an important duty before God and an important duty to the people they lead. The security of the latter depends on the stability of the former.
In the case of King David, it is at the very moment of the great, shall we say, national restoration at the time of the triumphal entry... that tragedy occurs. We read that David was greatly shaken ("angered, frustrated") by the sin and retreated in anticipation... but in 6:13 we see that on the 2nd attempt he had already brought the ark to its new place according to the rule, according to the sanctification. His name is at the centre of all human action here, the main responsibility is his - but now we also see who those are who supported him before God... On the right or wrong way.
Technically (i.e. in a visible, tangible way),the Ark cannot be carried in any other way than the divine description: on two applied rods. The box itself is made of acacia wood (Exod 25:10-11), a wooden light gilded structure while the top is solid gold (Exod 25:17) so the very heavy lid has its centre of gravity up. The Ark is so designed and so constructed. The position of the bars ensures stability. According to God's original design, therefore, the Ark He has fashioned can be handled only and only in the way He has ordained, whether in the Old Testament or the New Testament.
But holiness does not change. Sacrament is as much the essence of God as it was in the past. The Holy Spirit is also the same: despite the stunningly irreverent post-Protestant tendencies, the Holy Spirit is the 3rd person of the Trinity, the Lord God. All respect and homage is due to him in this form as well. Therefore, we must treat the vessel of the Lord only in the holy way the Lord has ordained.
The Apostle Paul warns us:
So what is the situation?
If we treat the vessel we have consecrated differently than it was intended, it "tips" and the result is trouble, even death. The same is true of the life of the believer and the life of the Church. When it is tipped over or drifts towards the world, the environment suffers serious consequences. Moreover, if the driver drifts, the consequences are even more serious. Do you see discord and wars? Irresponsible and godless politicians? Remember the clear teaching of Jesus Christ:
I have already alluded to this: Jesus Christ is a far better covenant, far better mediator priest than the Jewish high priests were. We are in a much stronger position than an Israelite believer and so we are in a far easier position to deal with when our lives are upset. The essential difference between the two covenants is that our covenant and priesthood in Christ is bigger, higher and older than the covenant of the 10 Commandments. Our constant help is also the ever living faithful intercessor high priest...(Heb 4:14-15; 7:22-25) He prays and pleads for us and has sent us the Holy Spirit to live with us and in us. (Jn 14:16-17) And the blood of Jesus continually cleanses us from all sin,(1Jn 1:7) if we confess our sins.(1Jn 1:9) So, it means: if our lives fail.
However, the "rule" of holiness is still backed up by God Himself, the truly Holy God - Who IS Holy!
If He has given communion through His Son, we too must carry the Lord's vessel on the road in holiness and godliness - and must live that way in the camp.
This also applies to your personal life to the representative strength of your community in society and the fruitful faith of the Church.we represent the Temple, the Tabernacle and the Ark - God's dwelling place in this lost world. Today we represent God as the royal priesthood. (1 Peter 2:9) Our vessel is also made (designed) to be carried only in the ordained way...
But our covenant is a very personal covenant .... We are supported by an ever-living intercessory high priest on the way to holiness. So let us take care of our bodies the temple of the Holy Spirit. Let us take care of the life of our community. Let us be well informed in matters of holiness, let us confess our sins honestly and help others to live this open and honest way of life!
If we are leaders, we exercise our faith and knowledge in a way that we must know: our sin or our faithfulness has a direct impact on the lives of the people entrusted to us. Not only our visible religious "existence" but also our spiritual authority stands or falls on this. While the former is completely irrelevant to heaven, since God is the Examiner of hearts, the latter affects our lives here in the visible and invisible world.
We have learned from the example of King David:
If we are deceived, it has serious consequences for the things entrusted to us and even for our people.
When your heavenly perspective is established: you're able to readjust, refurnish or even restart your agenda, your midterm plans and cooperative activities.
Study 2.
The conflict described in 2 Samuel 6 is really a conflict between David and the Lord. Although it is an incident with dire consequences, despite its dramatic beginning, it is an extremely powerful departure for David, a cleansing and righting of his personal identity and his worship. The spiritual foundation of his kingdom was here solidified for the next period of history.
The reasons for the Uzza conflict, in brief
The kings of Israel were informed about the order of the Holy things, including the use and transport of the tabernacle and ark. The community of the ark is not only the community of the priesthood but also the community of the king.....
When David entered the new, triumphant era of his life as king of his nation, he was subject to the ordinances as were all Levitical priests and leaders. So he had to be informed about the transport of the ark.
Two things, two perspectives, can certainly be learned from this.
A. Why was the Ark carried in an irregular manner?
We know that the kings of Israel were instructed about the things of the Lord because it is written by the priesthood in Numbers 4 eg. how to carry the ark. The king must have been informed. If David was wrong in his knowledge of the priestly basis of God's holiness, his counselors (priests) were wrong, but the lives of others were endangered - being led into tragedy of ignorant sin.The leaders of society have an important duty before God and an important duty to the people they lead. The security of the latter depends on the stability of the former.
B. What can we learn from this case today?
There is a more down-to-earth aspect to the matter, and while it may not seem very spiritual, it is a curious way of helping today's believers towards a better understanding of holiness today.Technically (i.e. in a visible, tangible way),
Ark in the New Testament?
Just as the Holy Tabernacle has taken on a new form in the new Covenant, the old one is gone, so the Ark of the Covenant is not in that form among us today. But as a prophetic image it helps us to understand holiness. For here, now, in the new covenant, we are the vessels of God, the instruments of the Holy Spirit.But holiness does not change. Sacrament is as much the essence of God as it was in the past. The Holy Spirit is also the same: despite the stunningly irreverent post-Protestant tendencies, the Holy Spirit is the 3rd person of the Trinity, the Lord God. All respect and homage is due to him in this form as well. Therefore, we must treat the vessel of the Lord only in the holy way the Lord has ordained.
Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.
1 Cor 3:16-17
but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (Lev 19:2; 20:26) And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile..
1 Peter 1:15-17
Older Christians are already nodding humbly. They know it is usually true that when Paul asks: Don't you know? We don't know that our bodies are the temple of the majestic Holy Spirit.
1 Cor 3:16-17
1 Peter 1:15-17
So what is the situation?
If we treat the vessel we have consecrated differently than it was intended, it "tips" and the result is trouble, even death. The same is true of the life of the believer and the life of the Church. When it is tipped over or drifts towards the world, the environment suffers serious consequences. Moreover, if the driver drifts, the consequences are even more serious. Do you see discord and wars? Irresponsible and godless politicians? Remember the clear teaching of Jesus Christ:
“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others..
Mt 5:13-16
I should note here that many Christians take prayers for leaders very casually and lightly! The apostles consciously expressed that they and all other leaders needed God's guidance, protection and blessing:
Mt 5:13-16
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1Tim 2:1-4
This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Saviour, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1Tim 2:1-4
Good News, better alliance
The good news is that we have no covenant according to the ten commands, we have nothing to do with the Levitical order, we have a new order.. (Heb 7).I have already alluded to this: Jesus Christ is a far better covenant, far better mediator priest than the Jewish high priests were. We are in a much stronger position than an Israelite believer and so we are in a far easier position to deal with when our lives are upset. The essential difference between the two covenants is that our covenant and priesthood in Christ is bigger, higher and older than the covenant of the 10 Commandments. Our constant help is also the ever living faithful intercessor high priest...(Heb 4:14-15; 7:22-25) He prays and pleads for us and has sent us the Holy Spirit to live with us and in us. (Jn 14:16-17) And the blood of Jesus continually cleanses us from all sin,(1Jn 1:7) if we confess our sins.(1Jn 1:9) So, it means: if our lives fail.
If He has given communion through His Son, we too must carry the Lord's vessel on the road in holiness and godliness - and must live that way in the camp.
This also applies to your personal life to the representative strength of your community in society and the fruitful faith of the Church.
Be holy because I am holy.Today
Lev. 19:2; 20:26
But our covenant is a very personal covenant .... We are supported by an ever-living intercessory high priest on the way to holiness. So let us take care of our bodies the temple of the Holy Spirit. Let us take care of the life of our community. Let us be well informed in matters of holiness, let us confess our sins honestly and help others to live this open and honest way of life!
If we are leaders, we exercise our faith and knowledge in a way that we must know: our sin or our faithfulness has a direct impact on the lives of the people entrusted to us. Not only our visible religious "existence" but also our spiritual authority stands or falls on this. While the former is completely irrelevant to heaven, since God is the Examiner of hearts, the latter affects our lives here in the visible and invisible world.
If we are deceived, it has serious consequences for the things entrusted to us and even for our people.
When your heavenly perspective is established: you're able to readjust, refurnish or even restart your agenda, your midterm plans and cooperative activities.
Col 3:1-2 (set your minds)
seek the things that are above: where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above.
Your decrees are very trustworthy;
holiness befits your house,
O Lord, forevermore.
seek the things that are above: where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above.
holiness befits your house,
O Lord, forevermore.
Questions
I
We often see that the sacral life is somehow slipping away because of customs and religious formulas.
Let us list such rituals. Yes, Protestants can list their idols.
II
The new Covenant is fundamentally different from the Commands given to Moses in terms of its effects and its cause.
Why? (Heb 7 and Heb 8)
III
And fruit of the Holy Spirit:
Interestingly the apostle says: fruit of the Spirit but gives us a list.
Could you evok the "fruit elements"?
I
We often see that the sacral life is somehow slipping away because of customs and religious formulas.
Let us list such rituals. Yes, Protestants can list their idols.
II
The new Covenant is fundamentally different from the Commands given to Moses in terms of its effects and its cause.
Why? (Heb 7 and Heb 8)
III
And fruit of the Holy Spirit:
Interestingly the apostle says: fruit of the Spirit but gives us a list.
Could you evok the "fruit elements"?
1 John 1:6
If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
i - ii
HU
