Good deeds – harsh reactions ∙
The oxen stumbled, and Uzzah reached out his hand to steady the Ark. Then the LORD’s anger was aroused against Uzzah, and he struck him dead because he had laid his hand on the Ark. – 1 Chronicles 13:9-10
Romans 7:5-25
5 When our old nature controlled us, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death.
6 But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now, we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit.
12 But still, the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good.
14 So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin.
15 I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.
19 I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.
21 I have discovered this principle of life – that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.
22 I love God’s law with all my heart.
23 But another power within me is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.
25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.
“The Gift of the Magi,” penned by O. Henry in 1905, beautifully captures the essence of sacrifice and love through the story of Jim and Della Young. Each cherished a prized possession: for Jim, it was the gold watch handed down from his grandfather and father, while Della treasured her long, flowing hair that reached down to her knees.
As Christmas approached, both yearned to delight the other with a special gift, yet their financial struggles posed a challenge. Della aspired to buy a gold chain for Jim’s watch, and Jim hoped to purchase a luxurious hairbrush for Della’s exquisite hair. In a profound act of love, Jim sold his watch to buy the brush, and Della sacrificed her hair to buy the chain. Their exchange of gifts revealed the depth of their love and the sacrifices they were willing to make, moving them to tears as they embraced. True love often means selflessly prioritizing another’s joy and delight sacrificing whatever it takes to make it happen.
However, human relationships can be complex, with good intentions sometimes leading to unexpected outcomes for ostensibly good deeds. Ironically, doing good is often fraught with unforeseen and unintended consequences.
Bible-based counselors suggest that unresolved childhood wounds can shape adult responses. Painful past experiences can trigger disproportionate reactions to seemingly minor provocations in relationships, leading to fight, flight or emotional shutdown responses.
We tend to get most angry at the people that we are closest to because they are least likely to abandon us. Sometimes, one partner reacts very harshly to what seemed to the other to be a good deed. The doer of the deed is often wounded and responds, “But I did not do anything wrong.” And from there, things go downhill. Until these old wounds are addressed, they can continue to influence behavior and communication.
There is an invisible, unstated principle working itself out. Until the lingering, old wounds are genuinely healed, we act out of our hurt. What we say flows from what is in our hearts (Luke 6:45).
Scriptures offer wisdom on managing anger and fostering peace. Proverbs advises gentle answers to deflect anger and highlights the folly of quarreling, while James reminds us that human anger does not yield God’s righteousness. Responding with anger achieves little; instead, we have the power to choose understanding and forgiveness.
Proverbs 15:1 A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
Proverbs 20:3 Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.
Proverbs 29:22 An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin.
James 1:20 Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.
Being angry and lashing out accomplishes nothing of any value.
Recognizing the root of our reactions is crucial. By embracing forgiveness and consciously opting for positive, moderated responses, we can diminish lingering anger over time, fostering healthier and more fulfilling relationships.
REFLECT & PRAY
We know that the law is good when applied appropriately. It was not crafted for those who walk in righteousness, but rather for the lawless, the rebellious, the ungodly, and the sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy (1 Timothy 1:8-9).
Father, I find it challenging to fully grasp the vastness of Your holiness and the sanctity of all You declare as sacred. It is equally difficult for me to uncover the profound wounds within myself and to embrace Your healing and release. Yet, this remains the deepest longing of my heart – an earnest desire for spiritual growth and restoration.
INSIGHT
Why did the Father strike Uzzah dead for merely touching the Ark? Though it seems his intentions were good, it’s essential to understand the specific laws that governed this situation. The Father established rules through the Law of Moses to guide Israel towards a successful and righteous path, many of which impart vital life lessons.
Just as parents warn children against touching hot surfaces or playing with fire for their own safety, the Father’s commandments serve to protect and instruct. David and his men, despite their zeal for the Father, failed to honor the Ark’s sanctity by transporting it on an ox-driven cart, akin to a modern U-Haul. Such negligence equates to disrespect towards the Father. Nothing good could come from it: “Treatment of the ark is tantamount to treatment of God himself” (ESV notes).
According to Mosaic law (Numbers 4:15), the Ark was never to be touched by Israelites. Only the Kohathites, a Levite clan, were permitted to carry it, using specially designed poles inserted into rings on the Ark (Exodus 25:12-15). Touching it, regardless of intent, was a direct violation warranting death. This is harsh! But how is it different from getting burned by playing with fire? Yet, it parallels the consequences of ignoring the natural laws that the Father established.
God is holy, righteous, and just, but also gracious and compassionate. While He upholds His laws, He yearns to extend mercy to those who genuinely seek it. This balance of justice and mercy reflects the divine character, teaching us the importance of reverence and obedience to His will.
Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
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© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 