David had learned his lesson, and life’s most valuable lessons are often learned, in the most harrowing situations. The Lord had broken out against the people for the sacrilege committed during the first attempt at transportation (1 Chronicles 13:11), a situation that David’s careful preparations sought to avoid at all costs. The concern for doing it right in relation to ark-bearing reaches its climax in 1 Chronicles 15:26, which tells (as does 2 Samuel 6:1–23) how sacrifices of thanksgiving were made when the ark successfully resumed its journey to Jerusalem with the help of the Lord toward the Levites.
The issue of breaking out
arises again a little later, where the term or a derivative is mentioned four times (1 Chronicles 14:11). While the ark was lodging in Obed-edom’s house, David wins an important battle at Baal-perazim. David must learn that if he wants the Lord to burst out against his enemies and not the servants of the Lord, he needs to seek the Lord according to his ordinances (1 Chronicles 15:13). In the end, he proves to be a true son of Perez, Judah’s son, who broke through, or broke the breach
to become preeminent over his brother Zerah (Genesis 38:29–30).1
God graciously does give second chances because he knows that we are frail creatures of the dust, ever prone to wander. His assurance still stands: I will not contend forever, nor will I always be angry; for the spirit would grow faint before me, and the breath of life that I made
(Isaiah 57:16; see also Psalm 103:8, Psalm 103:9). And yet what litter the lives of so many Christians are missed opportunities, regrets, and wrong turns. These can be in the form of unresolved conflict within and without the church, neglect of God-given opportunities for ministry, and even avoiding some course of action that we know the Lord is calling us to. It is said that once the opportunity passes and is not grabbed hold of, it is lost forever. This represents a worldview that says that human experience is subject to forces that are impersonal, insensitive, even cynical.2
The God of the Bible is very different. He forgives, and he piles opportunity upon opportunity. Missed opportunities lead very often to vain regrets
with continual self-haranguing in the form of, If only…if only.
3 The Lord is supremely One who forgives in a completely unqualified way; this is what the cross means to the repentant sinner. Instead of looking back on past failures, the Christian should take hold of opportunities as they present themselves today and proceed with the energy that God provides.
1 David se bâtit des maisons dans la cité de David; il prépara une place à l'arche de Dieu, et dressa pour elle une tente.