Incredibly Beautiful – Awesomely Deadly

In the last several months, I have been following the news through radio, business magazines, and the internet regarding uncertainties in the global economic crisis, including the economy in the United States of America. The nationwide unemployment rate keeps on rising, and even in Los Angeles County, the unemployment and under-employment rate reached a staggering 20% several weeks ago. Some people begin to be angry while others are afraid of all the shaking. Their dreams are shattered, their goals are diverted, and their plans are sidetracked. Some people strive with their own strength but to no avail. Others try to get through these hard times with a religious approach by praying but doing nothing. The result will always be nothing.

As believers, we need to stand firm on the unshaking kingdom of God and live an uncompromising life from the inside out.

In the Old Testament, the presence of God was in the Ark of God. When David brought back the Ark of God from the Philistines, the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzzah and God struck him dead for his error. How could that be? Uzzah tried to “help God” and he was struck dead because of that. David became angry (2 Sam.6:8) and then he was afraid of the Lord (2 Sam.6:9).

Imagine if you were there at the time. You saw the incredibly beautiful Ark of God but at the same time you witness something that was awesomely deadly.

Maybe you are in a situation right now where you’re angry with God, like David was. But, as you read on, soon David’s anger turned into fear. Of whom did he fear? David was a man of war. He fought lions, bears and even Goliath, who was a giant, and killed them all ever since he was a youth. He was afraid of none other but God alone!

It is time for all of us to clean up our act, humble ourselves before the Almighty God in repentance and not compromise with our life. Why do some people live a compromised life? Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil (Eccl.8:11).

Uzzah’s name means strength. Do not depend on your own strength, but in all you do, acknowledge God (Prov.3:5). Do not take the grace of God for granted. He is preparing you for such a time as this to be ready to face any kind of shaking where your faith will be tested: politically, socially, financially, emotionally, as well as spiritually.

The presence of God is beautiful, but no one can see God and live. You cannot live a double life, pretending to be someone you’re not. Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me (Gal.2:20). You cannot serve God and Mammon at the same time (Mt.6:24). Choose this day whom you will serve (Josh.24:15). Get wisdom. How? The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Ps.111:10).

Be strong during tough times by being a worshiper. That kind of heart attracts the Presence of God. Are you hungry for more of God? If you want to find God, worship Him. If you never find God maybe you have never worshiped Him; and if you worship Him, you will also obey Him.