This Sunday as we continue our new series “Nothing is Permanent,” we will be looking at 1 Chronicles 13-15 and 2 Samuel 6:12-15. This is one of my favorite passages in scripture but it is not an easy story to read. King David is preparing to bring the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem. Throughout the Old Testament, the ark represented the very presence of God. So, as you can imagine, this was a big deal! However, in his enthusiasm, David fails to refer back to the proper way to move the ark (see Exodus 25:10-15, Numbers 4:4-6). When David sets forth with an impulsive plan, disaster strikes and the consequences prove fatal for one of his men.

David set out to do a good thing for God and the people, but he went about it in the wrong way.

Unfortunately, I can relate all too well. I come up with all kinds of great ideas “for God” and in my excitement to bring them to fruition I don’t always spend time seeking the Lord’s guidance. Then when my plans fail I end up feeling like a complete failure.

But here’s the good part… the nugget of truth I hope you gain from this sermon series… Christ has redemptive power over our failures! Our failures and life’s disappointments don’t have to define us. God wants to do something with them.

If you read the rest of the story you’ll see this turns out to be true for David. He gets a second chance to bring the ark to Jerusalem. This time he carefully obeys all of God’s instructions for its transportation and he is successful.

As you prepare for our time together this Sunday, I’d like you to consider the question: How is enthusiasm for God different than obedience?