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In II Samuel chapter six, David is bringing the ark of God back to its rightful place in Israel. The bible says David gathered 30,000 chosen men to do this job. As they were bringing the ark back, verse five says David and all the house of Israel played all manner of instruments and rejoiced while this was going on. At this point this plan seemed to have all the marks of success, a huge crowd, great enthusiasm and lots of music. Then the problem hit; they had put the ark of God on a new cart, and the oxen pulling it shook the cart, and the Ark started to fall. A man named Uzzah did what was natural, he put his hand out to steady the ark, and for this good deed God struck him dead.

Here is the point. We've got a lot of enthusiasm, plenty of music and even some big crowds like David. We even have a lot of people who are sincere and willing to help like Uzzah. Yet we have forgotten that crowds, enthusiasm, and sincerity don’t necessarily mean God is pleased with what is going on. In this story David forgot the instructions on how the ark was to be handled and moved. First, it was to be carried not driven. Second only certain Levites were allowed carry it. The crowd, the enthusiasm and the sincerity were not a substitute for obedience to God’s instructions. By the way, because David and some Levites missed the mark, a man died. Had they been doing what leaders are supposed to be doing he wouldn’t have been in a place to be killed.

Let’s face it, most churches today are Uzzah friendly. If we get Uzzah in the front door we are happy. If he seems sincere we are really happy. It doesn’t matter if he is really saved or obedient or living right. We are distracted by the crowd and the excitement! When God starts dealing with the Uzzahs, we better know we bare responsibility.

Let’s remember preacher and church member, NO amount of enthusiasm and fervor will make up for or replace simple obedience in the life of the CHURCH. God wants his work done in a certain way. The Bible lays that way out! Most of these failing Sunday School Classes, youth groups, promotional ideas, are being invented and run by Uzzahs. They may be sincere and even willing but if it’s not being done God’s way don’t expect life, expect death. Unless you like death, you had better re-read how God wants things done and make sure you are following all the details. It may save a life.

Dr. Dennis Carter - PSALM 37:4 - JESUS NEVER FAILS