We later learn that God had broken out against them because they the Levites had not sanctified themselves. "And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites for Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel and Amminadab. And he said to them, "You are the heads of the fathers' houses of the Levites, sanctify yourselves, you and your brethren, that you may bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel to the place I have prepared for it. For because you did not do it the first time, the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not consult Him about the proper order." (1 Chronicles 15:11-13.)
The manner in which the ark was transported also came into question--they had used a new cart instead of it being carried on poles by the Levites.
God is holy and He has called us to live a holy life not by our own might, but by His grace working in and through our lives. As members of His royal priesthood, a holy nation, we have been separated to God to be his instruments of grace on the earth, vessels of honor for him who purchased our souls' salvation with His own blood. Therefore, let us handle the word of the Lord and our Father's business with a clean heart, being sanctified by the Lord himself. How often we stumble and fail in our attempts to do even good, not realizing that it's often through our own disobedience and lack of attention and diligence to the proper order of kingdom living.
What started out as a day of great celebration, ended on a sad note. It's a reminder that what really impresses God is our willingness to inquire of him and heed his voice. In the multitude of counselors, there is wisdom, but when all is said and done, it's only what God has imparted to us according to His purpose and design that will endure.
The precious blood of Jesus Christ sanctifies us and makes clean. Do not mingle with the works of darkness, but rather expose them. Do not conform to this world, nor yield to the sin that easily besets us. Do not allow anything or anyone to make an adjustment to the order established by God the Creator of heaven and earth. His law has been written now upon our hearts; hearts that have been sanctified, lives that have been changed by His awesome grace and power. Let us walk humbly before Him, in all things seeking to please Him who has called us and given us His special treasure in earthen vessels.
God bless you!
