Pastor Ng Wah Lok’s worship devotions are written specially for those in the music and worship
ministry. They should be used daily and read prayerfully. They are designed to make
a person think and draw him/her closer to God. Please visit
http://www.tabernaclemusic.net
and click on “Wah Lok’s Worship Devotions” for more of these
devotional thoughts. Below is a sample.
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Carrying or driving God’s presence?
By Ng Wah Lok
Scripture Reading: 1 Chronicles 13:6-14
1 Chron 13:6-12. 6And David and all Israel went up to Baalah, to Kirjath Jearim, which
belonged to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God the LORD, who dwells between the
cherubim, where His name is proclaimed. 7So they carried the ark of God on a new cart from the house of Abinadab, and Uzza and Ahio
drove the cart. 8Then David and all Israel played music before God with all their might,
with singing, on harps, on stringed instruments, on tambourines, on cymbals, and with trumpets.
9And when they came to Chidon’s threshing floor, Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, for
the oxen stumbled. 10Then the anger of the LORD was aroused against Uzza, and He struck him
because he put his hand to the ark; and he died there before God. 11And David became angry
because of the LORD’s outbreak against Uzza; therefore that place is called Perez Uzza to this
day. 12David was afraid of God that day, saying, “How can I bring the ark of God to me?”
Discussion
The Philistines carried the ark on a cart. King David conveniently followed their method. In
verse 7, Uzza drove the ark. What a disaster. Uzza was killed that day. David was playing
his best music but God was far away because they failed to follow the instructions given in
His law.
The ark was to be carried on the shoulders of the Levites. Instead, David allowed the people
to drive it on a cart just like the Philistines did. If we keep copying the ways of the world
in our music, we are certain to follow this disastrous path. God’s presence must be
carried on the shoulders of godly musicians who worship Him with pure hearts. God’s
presence must not driven by some fanciful music or chord progressions. It is not good music
that will bring God’s presence. It is godly musicians with godly music that will carry
God’s presence.
Prayer
Father, I pray that I will be able to carry Your presence with a godly and prayerful life.
Help me never to “drive” your presence with my music.
Copyright © Ng Wah Lok 2002
Reproduced with the kind permission of the author.
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All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work.
