From: May 24, 2026
“And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God” (2 Samuel 6:7 ESV).
The author of Samuel described David bringing the ark of the covenant toward Jerusalem. By that time, Israel’s worship life had long been fragmented since the Philistines captured the ark and later returned it on a cart (cf. 1 Sam. 6). After its return, the ark had been taken to the house of Abinadab in Kiriath-jearim, while the tabernacle that once stood at Shiloh had been moved and later resettled at Gibeon, leaving Israel with divided worship centers. In this setting, Uzzah, likely raised around the ark in Abinadab’s household, reached out his hand to steady it when the oxen stumbled. His familiarity with the sacred object may have led either to ignorance of or disregard for the law that the ark was not to be touched and was to be carried only by Levites on poles according to Exodus 25 and Numbers 4. In that moment, God revealed that He valued obedience over sacrifice, and that well intentioned disobedience was still disobedience.
We are reminded that we can live close to holy things and still lose holy fear. We can handle Scripture, worship, and ministry language regularly and still begin to treat God as ordinary. We may assume that good intentions can replace careful obedience, but they cannot. God has not changed His character, and He still calls us to worship Him on His terms, not ours. We must guard our hearts so that what is familiar does not become casual, and what is sacred does not become routine. When we allow familiarity to replace reverence and obedience, we risk displeasing the Lord as Uzzah did.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we confess that we can become so accustomed to holy things that we lose reverence for You. Forgive us for treating Your Word lightly or assuming that our intentions can replace Your commands. Teach us to honor You in obedience and humility. Keep our hearts tender, our worship pure, and our lives aligned with Your truth. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: May 24, 2025
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34–35 ESV).
As Jesus prepared to leave His disciples, He gave them a clear and powerful commandment: love one another. This love is not merely a feeling or sentiment but a reflection of His own sacrificial, patient, and servant-hearted love. The standard is not left vague or open to interpretation. Jesus said, “Just as I have loved you.” The love of Jesus is the model and the measure. It is the kind of love that washes feet, bears burdens, forgives offenses, and lays down its life.
What is especially striking is the result of this love. Jesus says that this is how the world will recognize us as His disciples. Not by the eloquence of our preaching, the depth of our theology, or the strength of our arguments, but by the way we love one another. Love is the proof. Our witness to a watching world stands or falls on whether we obey this commandment. The world may not understand our doctrines or agree with our convictions, but it cannot ignore authentic, Christlike love.
We must ask ourselves—do we love one another like Jesus has loved us? Are we patient with each other’s weaknesses, quick to forgive, and eager to serve? Too often, we allow pride, division, or indifference to get in the way of love. If we are to be faithful witnesses, we must prioritize love within the body of Christ. Love is not optional for disciples; it is essential. Let us actively pursue ways to encourage, support, and care for one another. As we do, we display to the world the reality of Jesus in us.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the love You have shown us through Jesus, Your Son. You loved us when we were unlovable and gave us grace upon grace. Pour Your love into our hearts today by the Holy Spirit. Teach us to love one another as Jesus has loved us. May our love be genuine, sacrificial, and visible, so that the world might know we are truly His disciples. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: May 24, 2024
“…I will celebrate before the Lord. I will make myself yet more contemptible than this, and I will be abased in your eyes…” (2 Samuel 6:21-22 ESV).
When David came leaping and dancing as he led the procession that brought the Ark into Jerusalem, his wife, Michal despised him for it. She spoke sarcastically to him as he arrived, saying, “How the king of Israel has honored himself today,” accusing him of acting “shamelessly” as one of the “vulgar” common people. In other words, she didn’t think his behavior was befitting a member of the upper class, much less a king. David’s response to her was revealing of his heart. He explained that he was celebrating “before the Lord,” not for men and certainly not for her. He further stated his intent to humble himself even more when it came to worshiping the Lord.
For whom do you celebrate? Who gets your unhindered, unselfconscious worship and praise? David’s worship was for God, not men. He didn’t care what men thought of him, only what God thought of him.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we worship You above all others. We offer You our highest praise. Forgive us when we forget to give You thanks, or when we feel hindered to express our worship because we worry what others might think. Help us to shine brightly in this dark world for You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: May 24, 2023
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:34-35 NLT).
The greatest proof to the world that we are disciples of Jesus is that we love one another. While logical arguments, philosophical proofs, and existential questions may be helpful to open their minds. The most powerful persuasion is love. Loving one another will “prove to the world” that we are truly disciples of Jesus.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the great love You have shown us in Jesus, Your Son. For He is love incarnate. Now pour out Your love in us this day by Your Spirit. Help us to love one another so that the world might recognize that we are Your disciples. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: May 24, 2017
There are ears that don’t hear. Not because they are physically deaf, but because they refuse to listen to correction. The ears of the fool filter out rebuke, but the wise are teachable, listening to constructive criticism. Those who are hearers and doers of the Word, will abide with the wise.