God’s Presence Rests On Men, Not On Methods

“So they set the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart… And when they came to Nachon’s threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled.“

2 Samuel 6:3, 6

In the bustling landscape of modern Christianity, there’s a relentless pursuit for better methods, bigger programs, and grander strategies. We often overlook the truth: God’s presence rests not on our methods or programs, but on His people. We look for better programs; God is looking for better people. 

The Threshing Floor Separates The Chaff From The Grain

The threshing floor is where grains are processed after harvest. 

1. Threshing is beating the grain manually with flails. Animals were used to tread over the grain. The weight and movement of the animals helped to separate grain kernels from the chaff. 

2. Winnowing involves tossing the threshed material into the hair. The heavier grains would fall straight down while the wind carried away the lighter chaff. 

Just as the threshing floor separates the chaff from the grain, testing serves to separate the genuine from the superficial in our faith journey. The process of threshing involves beating the grain to separate it from the chaff, symbolizing the trials and challenges we face. Similarly, winnowing, the process of tossing the threshed material into the air to separate the grain from the chaff, mirrors the refining work of God in our lives.

Satan is trying to sift you, but God is trying to separate you, setting you apart in holiness (Luke 22:31-32). Satan is trying to prove that you are chaff but God is trying to prune you out of chaff. 

But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

Job 23:10

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The Purpose Of Testing

Testing serves multiple purposes in the life of a believer.

• Testing strengthens our character (James 1:2-3).
• Testing proves our faith is genuine (1 Peter 1:7).
• Having our faith tested gives honor to God.
• Testing gets rid of unrefined qualities in our lives (Job 23:10).
• Testing proves believers are God’s children (Hebrews 12:6-8). 

Don’t Reduce Your Expectations Of God To One Experience

In the biblical narrative of King David’s attempt to bring the Ark of God to Jerusalem, we encounter a lesson. We see the importance of doing things in God’s way rather than human methods. As the Ark was being transported on a new cart, tragedy hit when Uzzah reached out to steady it. He was struck dead. This incident teaches us, it is not always about what you do but how you do things that counts. God instructed the Ark should be carried on the shoulders of His priests, not a cart.

Just as David persisted in bringing the Ark to Jerusalem after the initial setback, we are encouraged to persevere in faith, trusting in God’s sovereignty and His refining work in our lives.

Do It Again, Do It Right, Do It Better 

“And so it was, when those bearing the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, that he sacrificed oxen and fatted sheep. Then David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet.“

2 Samuel 6:13-15

When Uzzah died, King David did not give up. He went back into the Word, found what God had said and did it again, but this time, he did it right and did it better than before. Too many people quit too soon. God doesn’t want you to quit; He wants you to obey Him. But this time to obey Him rightly and better than you did last time.

No Passion, No Intimacy; No Intimacy, No Fruit

Where there is no passion, there will be no intimacy. Where there is no intimacy, there will be no fruit. Passion and intimacy in our relationship with God are essential ingredients for spiritual fruitfulness.

David’s wild worship as the Ark was brought to Jerusalem is an example of the joy and fervor that should characterize our worship. Michal, who observed David’s unrestrained worship with disdain, remained barren, symbolizing the spiritual fruitlessness that accompanies a lack of passion and intimacy with God.

“Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no children to the day of her death.“

2 Samuel 6:23

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Passing The Test Of Faith

Don’t let drama and trauma turn you into a spectator instead of a participant in God’s work right now.

In our journey of faith, we must guard against becoming mere spectators. It is dangerous to peer through the window like Michal, instead of actively participating in God’s redemptive work. The story of Eutychus serves as a warning, reminding us of the dangers of complacency and sleeping spiritually (Acts 20:9).

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Testing is an integral aspect of the Christian walk, designed to refine, purify, and strengthen our faith. Just as the grain undergoes the process of threshing and winnowing to separate it from the chaff, so too must we endure trials and tribulations to emerge as refined vessels for God’s glory.

Let us embrace testing as a means of drawing closer to God, trusting in His faithfulness to bring us through victoriously. As we journey onward, may our passion for God deepen, our intimacy with Him flourish, and may we bear abundant fruit for His kingdom.

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