FAITH CAPSULE: Excuse will not prevail when lack of understanding contradicts good intention.
2 Samuel 6
Wisdom is the word of God (instruction from God). Knowledge is having a knowing edge in every area of life. Understanding is the ability to listen and hear the word (instruction) from God. Wisdom, knowledge and understanding make way for living life abundantly to the glory of God. The book of Proverbs 14:6 states, “…But knowledge is easy to him who understands.” Proverbs 14:33, “Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding…” Evidently, understand seems to be the anchor for wisdom and knowledge. Jesus buttresses the truth about understanding when He questioned and answered the people around Him, “Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word.” (John 8:43) Understanding comes through the ability to listen and hear wisdom. When wisdom is in place, activating wisdom which gives a knowing edge over confronting challenge is what will make a believer of the word to become an overcomer. Truly, the word of Proverbs 4:7 is very true when it commanded, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” In all your getting, above all which you are chasing after, get understanding of God’s instructions and be safe from falling, failing in your walk as commanded in the word of God.
In every area of our relationship it is understanding that enables engaging the word (instructions) of God for our own attainment. A failure to engage God’s instruction without understanding is not enough excuse not to experience the consequence of wrong doing. This is to say, excuse will not prevail when good intentions provoke the violation of God’s command.
The case of Uzzah was one with good intention but rooted in lack of understanding and provokes violation of God’s command. When the ark of God was to be brought out of the house of Abinadab, Uzzah and his team drove the new cart but Uzzah’s lack of understanding caused him to die untimely death.
It is written, “When they came to Nachon’s threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by the ark of God.” (2 Samuel 6:6-7) With good intention Uzzah reached out to prevent the Ark from falling by putting his hand. It was lack of understanding on Uzzah’s part to violate the Ark of God. With death penalty as the consequence, God warned His people (in Numbers 4:15) not to touch the holy object of the tabernacle. Uzzah, with good intention lack understanding not to touch the Ark. Uzzah died an untimely death because of lack of understanding.
Prayer for today: Ask for deliverance and preservation from every act which lacks understanding.