Uzzah is an uncommon name in the Bible. His epitaph is among the most egregious ever written. For twenty years, the Ark of the Covenant resided among his family. In the process of moving, Uzzah put forth his hand to keep it from falling. God struck him dead where he stood for touching the sacred box. Casualness and familiarity produced a lack of regard for Israel’s national treasure, and it costs him his life.
Value is often seen through respect. What we find valuable is reverenced, honored, and kept. People who hold such places of acclaim are approached carefully and with caution. One of the fundamental aspects of a healthy culture is found in honoring those to whom honor is due (Romans 13). God instilled this truth in the Ten Commandments: Exodus 20:12 Honor thy father and thy mother.” Israel was told to rise in the presence of the aged and show respect to those who are older (Leviticus 19:32). Paul will follow up on this directive in his letter to the church at Thessalonica; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13“…know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.”
The Bible is replete with these same commands over and over again. It begins with the fear of the Lord and moves to His written Word. As with all things holy, there is an opposing force. The absence of honor has been the affliction of many societies. Without respect, lawlessness prevails; families become splintered, and the things that should be treasured are treated carelessly. The Gospel also suffers when believers devalue the Church and the Mission. If we consider the preached Word inconsequential, we will invariably dismiss it as optional. Even Jesus’ miracles were thwarted because He found no honor among His own country.
Though respect and honor have fallen on hard times, we should not give up our attempt to restore such things among the believers. While many westernized cultures have diluted the holy scriptures, it seems only reasonable to follow God’s plan for our lives. Casual living is destroying holiness. Complacency and apathy are enemies to the demands of the Cross. However, the call of God is pressing us to restore these virtues that hold us together. Honor. Respect. The Fear of the Lord. The Word and our leaders. We must strive to instill the value of these most precious things in our everyday lives.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole