Putting The Cart Before The Ox
Published by Korey Buchanek under on 8:35 AM
April 30, 2012
I've often criticized traditions or customs from older days that I felt were outdated or unnecessary without ever understanding why those practices were there in the first place. A large part of that immaturity in my life is rooted in arrogance that thinks my ways are better. The older I get the more I see this in me and I work diligently at breaking this prideful mindset. Today's reading in 2 Samuel 6:3 showed me once again that God's ways don't need my input or expertise to improve them, but that obedience to the old ways will do just fine.
Here we have King David doing a good thing in bringing the ark of God back to the city of David, but there is a small detail that sticks out in my mind. In verse 3 is states, "They placed the ark of God on a new cart that they might bring it from the house of Abinadab which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were leading the new cart." I'm sure everyone thought this moment would be filled with joy and excitement as they danced and celebrated the return of the ark, but instead if was one of grief and loss as they gave way to their own arrogance. In the midst of doing something great they brought their new and improved ways to the event and forgot the instructions of the Lord. Some young guy like myself thought to himself, "Why not use a new cart that will make things easier and faster? I'm sure no one wants to use those old acacia wood polls and have to lug that heavy thing down the mountain." However, when the ox stumbled and Uzzah put his hand on the ark to settle it, it cost him his life.
Here is the problem with our way of thinking, it's not God's way of thinking. When God gives clear direction in my life His desire is not for me to improve it, it's to obey it. If I'm ever going to understand a depth of maturity in my walk with Christ I have to put my ego aside and understand a humbleness that leads to a right understanding of my place before Christ. God doesn't need my help to make the christian life easier or more productive. He needs me to come to a place of reliance and understanding that His Ways are enough and that sometimes the heart of what I deem tradition has a rightful place and purpose in this spiritual journey.
Father today I want to acknowledge that I'm not always comfortable with your ways, but I want to be. I want to depend on You for my direction and purpose. I want to trust in You with all my heart and lean not in my own understanding. I want to acknowledge Your ways in order for You to direct my path. I want to grow in You. Thank you for loving me in spite of my pride. I love You Father.
I've often criticized traditions or customs from older days that I felt were outdated or unnecessary without ever understanding why those practices were there in the first place. A large part of that immaturity in my life is rooted in arrogance that thinks my ways are better. The older I get the more I see this in me and I work diligently at breaking this prideful mindset. Today's reading in 2 Samuel 6:3 showed me once again that God's ways don't need my input or expertise to improve them, but that obedience to the old ways will do just fine.
Here we have King David doing a good thing in bringing the ark of God back to the city of David, but there is a small detail that sticks out in my mind. In verse 3 is states, "They placed the ark of God on a new cart that they might bring it from the house of Abinadab which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were leading the new cart." I'm sure everyone thought this moment would be filled with joy and excitement as they danced and celebrated the return of the ark, but instead if was one of grief and loss as they gave way to their own arrogance. In the midst of doing something great they brought their new and improved ways to the event and forgot the instructions of the Lord. Some young guy like myself thought to himself, "Why not use a new cart that will make things easier and faster? I'm sure no one wants to use those old acacia wood polls and have to lug that heavy thing down the mountain." However, when the ox stumbled and Uzzah put his hand on the ark to settle it, it cost him his life.
Here is the problem with our way of thinking, it's not God's way of thinking. When God gives clear direction in my life His desire is not for me to improve it, it's to obey it. If I'm ever going to understand a depth of maturity in my walk with Christ I have to put my ego aside and understand a humbleness that leads to a right understanding of my place before Christ. God doesn't need my help to make the christian life easier or more productive. He needs me to come to a place of reliance and understanding that His Ways are enough and that sometimes the heart of what I deem tradition has a rightful place and purpose in this spiritual journey.
Father today I want to acknowledge that I'm not always comfortable with your ways, but I want to be. I want to depend on You for my direction and purpose. I want to trust in You with all my heart and lean not in my own understanding. I want to acknowledge Your ways in order for You to direct my path. I want to grow in You. Thank you for loving me in spite of my pride. I love You Father.
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