The lesson of humility

 

READ 2 Samuel 6–10

Looking back, I realize how many things I tried to do without consulting God. Most of them seemed good, but without the desired results. It’s taken years to realize the uselessness of self-effort and the importance of consulting the Lord about everything.

When David began his rule, he determined to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem. On the way, God taught a lesson that made David fear Him:

And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God. (2 Samuel 6:6–7)

This incident does seem unfair to Uzzah who only wanted to protect this sacred ark, but it illustrates lack of trust in God to keep the ark safe. Uzzah thought he had to do something and did it without seeking God’s guidance. This was costly to him but instruction for David. Do not move unless told to do so!

Later, David did some literal moving. He danced before the Lord with rejoicing, wearing only a plain linen garment. His wife severely criticized him but he said, “It was before the Lord, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the Lord—and I will celebrate before the Lord. I will make myself yet more contemptible than this, and I will be abased in your eyes. But by the female servants of whom you have spoken, by them I shall be held in honor.” (6:21–22)

David learned that worshiping God means abandoning all thoughts of ‘what will people think’ or what might be considered ‘appropriate’ to onlookers. I’m still learning that one!

When David thought he should build a house for the Lord, a place of worship, God told Nathan the prophet to instruct him otherwise, including reminders of what God had already done in his life. He also said, “Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house . . . .” and went on to describe the kingdom to follow with a house built for Him by David’s son, and “your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.” (7:8–16)

David learned the lesson: what he could do didn’t count if it was not the will of God. David said, “Therefore your servant has found courage to pray this prayer to you. And now, O Lord God, you are God, and your words are true, and you have promised this good thing to your servant. Now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that it may continue forever before you. For you, O Lord God, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever.” (7:27–29)

After that, “The Lord gave victory to David wherever he went . . . and David made a name for himself . . . and the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went.” He reigned over all Israel and administered justice and equity to all his people. (8:6–15)

By ‘all’ this included the one person left of the house of Saul. David showed this cripple man kindness for Jonathan’s sake by restoring to him the land of Saul and bringing him to eat at the king’s table for the rest of his life. (9:1–13) Other kings destroyed all threats to their throne, but not David. He believed God’s promises. He also illustrated the unconditional love of God and that God is not a respecter of persons.

David was a good example to those who served in his army. When Joab want to battle, he outlined the battle plan and then he said to the people, “Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the Lord do what seems good to him.” (10:12)

When I ask God for His help, I realize that He can do great things, but also realize that He may not help me, that my problem could be there to teach me something, or to give me opportunity to rejoice in affliction, or to glorify Him even if I continue to suffer. In other words, I’m not to take matters into my own hands. This is the lesson of Uzzah, and David, and Joab.