“Then David and the elders of Israel and the generals of the army went to the house of Obed-edom to bring the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant up to Jerusalem with a great celebration. And because God was clearly helping the Levites as they carried the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant, they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams. David was dressed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who carried the Ark, and also the singers, and Kenaniah the choir leader. David was also wearing a priestly garment. So all Israel brought up the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant with shouts of joy, the blowing of rams’ horns and trumpets, the crashing of cymbals, and loud playing on harps and lyres.”
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1 Chronicles‬ ‭15‬:‭25‬-‭28‬ ‭NLT

There should be great joy in the midst of working in total collaboration with God. David had tried to do something good in his own power, but like Saul before him, he had tried to do so his own way. This was not honored by God. In fact, the opposite. God tends to give us harsh consequences when we deviate from his word. These consequences are often especially profound when the deviation is willful, rebellious, or willfully ignorant. They become even more pronounced when they are specific to objects of worship, sacraments, or refiners of his character. It should. Be of no surprise to us when we are aligned with God’s prescription, and things work. Often, we treat the signs of restoration as potential good. But David started offering praise sacrifices before these were even complete. For him, it wasn’t just the beginning of restoration but it was acceptance. We should not be surprised when God accepts obedience, and blessings flow out. We also should not wait to praise him for remaining a God who is faithful and remaining a God of good character, even when we have not been. As we retrieve his presence in our lives after giving up our Ark, let us do so with praise derived from obedience.

God’s Response to Disobedience: God often gives harsh consequences when we deviate from His word, especially when the deviation is willful or rebellious.

Consequences of Disobedience: Consequences are more pronounced when they are specific to objects of worship, sacraments, or refiners of His character.

Benefits of Obedience: God accepts obedience and blessings flow out when we are aligned with God’s prescription.