Author Darlene J Conard

In the thirteenth chapter of 1 Chronicles, King David resolutely decided to retrieve the Ark of the Covenant, an ancient and sacred symbol of God’s presence, which their enemies had taken. The situation was dire, as the children of Israel had acted wickedly in the eyes of the Lord, straying from His commands and inviting His wrath upon themselves. This tragic turn of events can be traced back to Eli, whose careless indulgence and failure to address the sins of his sons led to a catastrophic downfall for the nation of Israel. Eli’s recklessness allowed sin to fester and set the stage for the disaster to befall the people he was meant to lead and protect. The ark was stolen. (1 Samuel 4:11-22)

Upon receiving the devastating news that the ark had been stolen, Eli’s daughter-in-law was suddenly overcome with emotion and went into labor. As the pain intensified with each contraction, she realized the weight of the moment. Amid her distress, she brought a son into the world and, reflecting her heartbreak and the loss of divine presence, named him Ichabod, which signifies “the glory of the Lord has departed.

David carefully oversaw the ark’s return according to God’s instructions. Recognized as holy, direct contact with the ark was forbidden. Ancient laws mandated its transport on specially designed poles, allowing it to be carried at a respectful distance of 2,000 cubits. They crossed the Jordan River while it was dry. The Bible recounts a solemn incident involving Uzza, a man entrusted with the care of the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest symbolizing God’s presence among His people.

Along the way, they hit a rough spot, prompting Uzza to reach out his hand to steady it instinctively. This action was born out of a desire to protect the revered object.

His actions unsteadied the oxen. However, this well-meaning gesture was viewed as an affront to the divine order. Displeased with Uzza’s unauthorized intervention, the Lord swiftly enacted His judgment. In that fateful moment, Uzza was struck down, his life taken as a consequence of his action. This tragic event is a powerful reminder of the holiness of God’s commandments and the serious repercussions of acting outside the bounds of divine instruction.

The Lord began to speak to me through this message: churches are dangerously altering what is sacred by neglecting the supernatural. In doing so, they destabilize and interfere with the harvest. Oxen was used to tread out corn: proverbs 14:4, I Corinthians 9:9-10. If the millstone is unstable, we had better examine what we are partakers of.

For it is written in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care of oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. I Corinthians 9:9-10 KJV

We should humbly drop to our knees and earnestly seek God with every fiber of our being. God embodies holiness and righteousness, and He stands poised to take action.

“Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?”  Isaiah 43:13 KJV

Feel free to forward it to anyone you wish.  My mission is to encourage everyone to follow our Lord Jesus Christ with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. ©Darlene J. Conard Vision Ministries 2024.   This may not be republished or used without the author’s written consent. The photograph is AI-generated. Darlene J. Conard is also affiliated with Glory Carrier Ministries.

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