David’s Unholy Anger

Read 2 Samuel 6-9
 
2 Samuel 6:6-8 But when they arrived at the threshing floor of Nacon, the oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand and steadied the Ark of God. 7 The Lord’s anger was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him dead because of this. So Uzzah died right there beside the Ark of God. 8 Then David was angry because the Lord’s wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah. 
 
ALL who read this are likely to join with David’s anger and quickly say, “That’s not fair!” How could God kill a man who is protecting the Ark of the Covenant? Such words as “unfair”, though, accuse the LORD of unrighteousness – of sin.
    To understand then how God’s judgment on Uzzah is fair, just and even an act of mercy, let’s look at Numbers 4:15: “When the camp is ready to move, the Kohathites are to come to do the carrying (of the ark). But they must not touch the holy things or they will die. The Kohathites are to carry those things that are in the Tent of Meeting.”
    God had spoken centuries before this. Note that only a particular clan of people, the Kohathites, were to carry the Ark. And no one was to touch it or its contents on penalty of death. In the entire journey of the ark from Hebron to Jerusalem, David and the others were breaking God’s commandment. None was a Kohathite – a clan of the Levi tribe. All, even (especially?) David, should have died in God’s holy judgment! But the LORD is merciful to who he is merciful (Exodus 33:19). God tolerated the sin until that moment. In his grace only Uzzah died for the sins of all.
    When people say, “It’s okay, even good to be angry with God.” don’t believe it. To be angry with the One who is sovereign over all things – even your eternal life – is placing your righteousness above his. Anger is judgment and malicious intent against another. How could we have such thoughts of God and remain in his commands and love? (John 15) You’ll never find peace when you agitate against God’s truth.
    Always remember: God is holy. If we become too familiar with him, we begin calling him the “big guy” or the “guy in the sky” or “man upstairs”. Then it becomes easy to accuse, “That’s not fair!” as we view life through our own mortal eyes. Such terms and attitudes equate God with sinful people.
    Your Holy God requires his way. Remember, the Lord God Almighty is the One who could quickly and fairly judge your sins and destroy you in all righteousness. Yet, as he has saved you to eternal life in Jesus’ blood, he has shown mercy upon whom he has chosen to show mercy – you.     
 
Proverbs 2:8-9 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. 9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair – every good path.