Acting Presumptuously
In 2 Samuel 6–10 we read of several individuals who act presumptuously.
Do you choose your actions presumptuously?
In chapter 6 David desires to bring the ark of God to Jerusalem. He acts presumptuously in moving the ark via a new cart that was specially made for the journey. Instead of the ark being carried by the priests as was commanded in the Law the cart was pulled by oxen. When they came to Nachon’s threshing floor the oxen stumbled and Uzzah, standing nearby, reaches out to steady the ark. Touching the ark Uzzah kindles the wrath of God and is struck dead.
In chapter 7 Nathan speaks presumptuously in allowing David to build a house for God. Yet this was not God’s will and David is subsequently refused permission to build a temple for God. This honor would be left to David’s son Solomon. And Nathan is left with “egg on his face.”
In chapter 10 Nahash, the king of Ammon dies and Hanun, his son, takes his place on the throne. acts David sends ambassadors to show his respect following the death of Hanun’s father. However, Nanun deals presumptuously with the delegation. He shaves off half of each man’s beard and stripes them of clothing and sends them away. David’s anger is kindled and the children of Ammon and Syria are defeated by Israel and Hanun is deposed of the throne.
What does all this have to do with us? A close examination of these three stories tells us that we often bring troubles and difficulties upon our selves. The world is filled with enough obstacles to living a peaceable and blessed life, and we as Christian (if we are living right) are going to suffer persecutions (2 Timothy 3:12). Why do we invite even more unnecessary trouble? Simple, we act presumptuously. We act arrogantly, audaciously, insolently, imprudently, and brazenly. Simply put we sin. We don’t stop and ask (and pray) that whatever we are about to say or do is in harmony with God’s will. Bad move!
Life’s hard enough without us having to make it harder. Jesus wants us to enjoy an abundant life (John 10:10). The first steps in doing this is to humble ourselves (James 4:10) and turn our will over to the Father (James 4:15). Confess our sins and His Son (Matthew 10:32; 1 John 1:9), be baptized into Christ for the remission of our sins (Acts 2:38), and arise to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:3–6). Be faithful, live happy!