When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put out his hand to hold the ark, for the oxen shook it. The anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark; and he died there before God. David was angry because the LORD had burst out against Uzzah; so that place is called Perez-uzzah to this day. David was afraid of God that day; he said, "How can I bring the ark of God into my care?" So David did not take the ark into his care into the city of David; he took it instead to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. The ark of God remained with the household of Obed-edom in his house three months, and the LORD blessed the household of Obed-edom and all that he had.

1 Chronicles 13:9-14

David came to realize that what he wanted to do for God had to be done with respect for Him and His specific instructions. God had commanded the ark be carried by the sons of Kohath on poles, not on a cart, nor was anyone to touch it. What David learned is something we should also take to heart. Showing respect for God means learning what He wants us to do and then obeying Him completely. To please the Lord, we must do His work His way.

We respect God when we obey God.

Our Daily Bread – December 9, 2003