As a result of Saul's knuckleheaded reign and disaster of Israel, the Philistines stole the Ark of the Covenant. But God's presence in the land of the Philistines invoked His wrath on them, so they sent it back, and it ended up at Abinadab's house. King David tried to bring it back on a new cart in a big parade, but Uzzah was killed instantly when he tried to stabilize the Ark on the bumpy cart. So, it remained at Obed-Edom's house for three months. Then King David realized that he had not arranged for the Ark to be transported the way God had commanded:
15:13 It was because you, the Levites, did not bring it up the first time that the LORD our God broke out in anger against us. We did not inquire of him about how to do it in the prescribed way." 14 So the priests and Levites consecrated themselves in order to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel. 15 And the Levites carried the ark of God with the poles on their shoulders, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD.
And I love the description of their celebration of the Lord, His presence, and His goodness:
15:25 So David and the elders of Israel and the commanders of units of a thousand went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from the house of Obed-Edom, with rejoicing. 26 Because God had helped the Levites who were carrying the ark of the covenant of the LORD, seven bulls and seven rams were sacrificed. 27 Now David was clothed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, and as were the singers, and Kenaniah, who was in charge of the singing of the choirs. David also wore a linen ephod. 28 So all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the LORD with shouts, with the sounding of rams' horns and trumpets, and of cymbals, and the playing of lyres and harps.
Shouldn't this typify our daily behavior? Rom. 12:1-2, 1 Cor. 6:19-20
Today I will participate in the Engineering Commencement at The University of Texas at Austin to commemorate the completion of my doctoral studies. As I initially thought about it, I didn't want to "walk", but I agreed to after the prodding of my wife. As I have been thinking about it this morning, I realize that instead of celebrating my accomplishments (which I think would be inappropriate according to Luke 17:10), this is an opportunity to celebrate the Lord's kindness to me. Indeed, I am very thankful for the Lord blessing me with the opportunity to study and get a great education, but I am even more thankful for the spiritual growth that He has given me and my family these past four years.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your generous love through Christ. May the words of my mouth and the attitude of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Yahweh, my Rock and my Redeemer. May you receive all of the praise and honor for what you have done in my life. May your Name be praised among the nations, and may your light shine through me. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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