And David Was Afraid of God That Day.
F.B. Meyer explores the relationship between obedience to God's laws and the fear of God, using David's experience with the Ark as a central example.
F.B. Meyer discusses the fear David experienced when he disobeyed God's commands regarding the transport of the Ark of the Covenant. By placing the Ark on a cart instead of having it carried by the priests, David ignored the divine regulations, leading to Uzza's tragic death. Meyer emphasizes that God responds to us based on our actions; those who obey Him experience His blessings, while disobedience leads to fear and consequences. He encourages believers to welcome God's presence into their lives, assuring that obedience brings divine favor and protection.
Text
And David was afraid of God that day. 1 Chron. xiii. 12.
THERE was no reason for David to be afraid of God, if he conformed to the rules laid down in Leviticus. There it was expressly ordained that the Ark should be carried on the shoulders of the priests, because the cause of God must proceed through the world by the means of consecrated men, rather than by mechanical instrumentality. David ignored this provision when he placed the Ark on the new cart. He disobeyed the distinct law of the Divine procedure. What wonder that Uzza was struck dead! Fire will burn if you persist in violating its law. Obed‑edom, on the other hand, studiously obeyed, so far as he knew them, the Divine regulations, and to him the Ark was a source of blessing; just as fire will toil for us in our furnaces and grates, and be the greatest possible benediction to human Iife, if only we carefully conform to its ascertained and immutable law.
God is to us what we are to Him. To Pharaoh, blackness and darkness; to Israel, light and help. To the froward, He is froward; to the merciful man, merciful.To one of the thieves, the cross of Christ was the savour of death unto death, because his heart was impenitent; to the other, the savour of life unto life, because his heart was soft and believing You need not fear God so long as you walk in his ways and do his will. He is to be feared only by those who violate his law. God is a consuming fire. He will make a breach on those who disobey Him. He will consume the evil of our inner life. But let Him be welcomed into your life and home; let the Ark, which is the symbol of his presence, dwell within; bring up your children to minister unto Him; and you will be blessed, with all that you have.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to David's fear of God
- Context of the Ark's transportation
- Importance of obedience to God's laws
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II
- Consequences of disobedience: Uzza's death
- The nature of God's laws as immutable
- Fire as a metaphor for God's presence
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III
- God's relationship with humanity based on obedience
- Examples of Pharaoh and Israel
- The dual nature of God's response to hearts
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IV
- The significance of welcoming God's presence
- Blessings of obedience in family life
- Conclusion: Fear of God and His consuming fire
Key Quotes
“God is to us what we are to Him.” — F.B. Meyer
“He will consume the evil of our inner life.” — F.B. Meyer
“Let the Ark, which is the symbol of his presence, dwell within.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- Strive to understand and follow God's laws in your daily life to avoid fear and consequences.
- Encourage your family to embrace God's presence for blessings and guidance.
- Recognize that our relationship with God reflects our own actions and attitudes toward Him.