DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME by Larry W Peebles May 10, 2019 19.15
My parents and my grandparents were wonderful role models and teachers. As I look back on things they said and did, I realize how greatly their words and actions affected and molded me. They worked hard and taught me to give an honest day’s work for an honest day’s wage. Always do unto others as you would want them to do to you. Anything worth doing is worth doing right. Measure twice, cut once is a great rule for carpentry work, but it can also mean to plan and then re-think your plan before taking action. Let your word be your bond, or do what you say you will do. Look someone squarely in the eye and give a firm handshake. Do it right the first time. Money isn’t everything. They taught me the importance of saving money “for a rainy day”.
At the time when I was growing up, these sayings seemed to always be the only answer they had for some of life’s issues. The older I get, I realize how true these answers are, and how deeply they are imbedded in me. The more I study the Word of God, I see many of these sayings have a biblical basis. Now that my grandparents and parents are gone, I have a deeper appreciation for the times I repeatedly heard these answers. They were teaching and living God’s word before me as an example. My wife’s parents were also similar in their wisdom and advice, and although they never told me what to do after I married their daughter, their example served and guided well.
King David may have been the source for one of those sayings- Do it right the first time. Saul, the first King of Israel, died in battle. In 1 Chronicles Chapter 12, we read that David’s band of loyal soldiers had grown rapidly and were stationed in Hebron. Tens of thousands of soldiers came to him “with loyal hearts, to make David king over all Israel; and all the rest of Israel were of one mind to make David king” (v.38).
In 1 Chronicles Chapter 13, we find that David’s first act was to bring the ark of God back to Israel. It had been captured by the Philistines, but had brought them much trouble. The plagues were so bad they were anxious to give it back to their arch-enemies. The ark was where the presence of God resided, “dwell(ing) between the cherubim” (v. 6). Having the presence of God back in Israel where it belonged was the highest priority for David.
Doing something right the first time means doing something according to instructions or in order to achieve a desired or expected outcome on the first attempt. It usually requires study and planning before execution. David’s first attempt to bring back the ark did not go well. David’s plan was to place the ark on a new cart, drawn by oxen. Along the way, David and all Israel played music (harps, tambourines, cymbals, and trumpets) and sang with all their might. However when the oxen stumbled, one of the guides of the cart, Uzza, put out his hand to steady the ark. When his hand touched the ark, he was stricken by God and died (verses 7-13). David left the ark at the house of a man named Obed-Edom, afraid to move it any further.
God was not angry with David or Israel, but He had left specific instructions on how to handle the ark without touching His presence. God handed David several major victories over the Philistines (1 Chronicles 14). The relationship between God and David grew, and David’s confidence grew to attempt a second time to move the ark to Jerusalem. In 1 Chronicles 15:13, we read-“For because you did not do it (right) the first time, the Lord our God broke out against us, because we did not consult Him about the proper order”. David did his research, consulted the law given to Moses, and knew he had not followed the Lord’s commands on moving the ark. His mistake was costly, but the lesson was valuable and applies today.
After he read the instructions, David realized the ark was constructed with rings overlaid with gold on the side, as God instructed. He further instructed that poles overlaid with gold were to be inserted through the rings. The ark was then ready to be carried on the shoulders of the Levites (priests). The instructions made no mention of a cart or oxen. Exodus 25:10-15. The Levites were especially chosen to handle the holy things of God. Numbers 3:12 – “I (God) have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of every firstborn who opens the womb among the children of Israel. Therefore the Levites shall be Mine.”
Numbers 4:15- “The sons of Kohath (Levites) shall come to carry them [the holy things, when they are ready], but they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die.” See also Numbers 7:9. God was willing to dwell and have His presence be among the people of Israel, but He had laid down certain instructions on how to handle the holy things so people who came that close to His holiness, presence and power would not be injured or die. The Levites were chosen for this awesome responsibility.
Numbers 10:8- “The sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow the trumpets.” This was not David’s intent, but God did not want a garage band playing music and instruments when it was time to move the ark. David simply did not read the instructions. There is to be no casual approach to moving in God’s presence. It is a serious matter, as David was reminded.
In 1 Chronicles 15:14-28, we read the account of the preparations made to move the ark the second time. This time it would be done correctly. Anything worth doing is worth doing over if the first attempt failed.
The priests and the Levites sanctified themselves (v. 14).
They (the sons of Kohath) bore the ark on their shoulders, by its poles, as commanded by Moses according to the word of the Lord (v. 5, 15).
The Levites appointed the singers and those who would accompany on the instruments (v. 16).
The leader of the Levites, Chenaniah, was in charge of the music, because he was skilled (v. 22).
Doorkeepers were appointed for the ark (v. 23-24).
Priests were appointed to blow the trumpets (v. 24).
David and the elders of Israel, the captains of the army, and indeed all of Israel brought up the ark with shouting and great joy (v. 25, 28).
David, the Levites and the singers all wore fine linen (v. 27).
Sacrifices were offered to God–bulls and rams (v. 26).
The ark was successfully brought to Jerusalem, and set in the midst of the tabernacle that David had erected for it (1 Chronicles 16:1). A great celebration followed.
David, Moses and Joshua had all experienced the presence of God. See a previous article “Build Me a House”, March 15, 2019, 19.07. Between the time of the Exodus and the days of King David, much had been lost regarding the proper way of handling the ark, the presence of God. Being casual with the presence of God cost a man his life. David and the people of Israel were quickly reminded that if they wanted the true presence of God, there can be no casual approach. God will reach down out of another dimension at times and make His presence known so that mankind will believe He is who He says He is. When we seek that experience, we can have it, but we must not take it lightly. We must first prepare ourselves, then come close by worship and sacrifice, but always remembering His honor, position and glory. If we diligently (not casually) seek Him, we will surely find Him (Jeremiah 29:13).
How often do we come into the presence of the Lord only to ask Him to bless our plans? Out of a sense of respect when we are in His presence, would we not ask Him for His plan? Experiencing His manifest presence not only makes God real, it can also produce great words of wisdom and direction for our lives. When we are in His presence, things change. People are healed. Devils flee and torment leaves. Peace and forgiveness comes. Truth is revealed. It is worth doing correctly.
