Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
The ark of the covenant was the tangible object that represented the throne of God. When it was being carried in a cart, the oxen stumbled and Uzzah reached out to steady the ark and was smitten for his error. Uzzah approached the sacred casually and with profane feelings. The Lord in section 85 applies this story to our day and warns of modern-day 'ark-steadiers.' Below are the quotes that I used as we look at some of the characteristics of a modern day Uzzah and lessons that we can learn from his mistake as well as how we avoid becoming one who would steady God's modern ark.
First Presidency: In 1905 the First Presidency wrote an official explanation. They gave two possible readings. Either Edward Partridge, as bishop in Zion in 1832, was the Lord's choice to implement the law of consecration, or the prophecy is to be fulfilled in the future. In the latter case, "let the Latter-day Saints know that he will be a future bishop of the church who will be with the Saints in Zion. . . . He will be designated by the inspiration of the Lord, and will be accepted and sustained by the whole Church." (Joseph F. Smith et al., "One Mighty and Strong," Deseret Evening News, November 11, 1905, 4.)
“Uzzah’s offence consisted in the fact that he had touched the ark with profane feelings, although with good intentions, namely to prevent its rolling over and falling from the cart. Touching the ark, the throne of the divine glory and visible pledge of the invisible presence of the Lord, was a violation of the majesty of the holy God. ‘Uzzah was therefore a type of all who with good intentions, humanly speaking, yet with unsanctified minds, interfere in the affairs of the kingdom of God, from the notion that they are in danger, and with the hope of saving them’ (O.V. Gerlach).” (Keil and Delitzsch, Commentary, bk. 2: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, “Second Book of Samuel,” p. 333.)
Today – do we have some who fear that the ark is tottering and presume to steady its course? There are those who are sure that women are not being treated fairly in the Church, those who believe they could do better with church finances, or those who would change the established doctrines of the Church based on popularity. These are ark-steadiers. The best of intentions do not justify interference with the Lord’s plan.
President David O. McKay: “It is a little dangerous for us to go out of our own sphere and try unauthoritatively to direct the efforts of a brother. You remember the case of Uzzah who stretched forth his hand to steady the ark. (See I Chron. 13:7–10.) He seemed justified, when the oxen stumbled, in putting forth his hand to steady that symbol of the covenant. We today think his punishment was very severe. Be that as it may, the incident conveys a lesson of life.
“Let us look around us and see how quickly men who attempt unauthoritatively to steady the ark die spiritually. Their souls become embittered, their minds distorted, their judgments faulty, and their spirits depressed. Such is the pitiable condition of men who, neglecting their own responsibilities, spend their time in finding fault with others.” (Gospel Ideals, p. 258).
Modern day Uzzah’s:
Lessons from Uzzah:
How can we keep from being a modern ‘ark-steadier?’
President Wilford Woodruff: “God has held the angels of destruction for many years, lest they should reap down the wheat with the tares. But I want to tell you now, that those angels have left the portals of heaven, and they stand over this people and this nation now and are hovering over the earth waiting to pour out the judgments. And from this very day they shall be poured out.” (Teachings of Wilford Woodruff, p. 230-231, August 1894).
President Joseph Fielding Smith: “In regard to the wars (World War II) now raging on the earth, I am sure the prophets have spoken of them. The Lord told Joseph Smith that the war between the States, commencing with the rebellion of South Carolina, was the beginning of the end.
“At that time peace was taken from the earth, and the prediction was made that beginning at that place, eventually war would be poured out upon all nations, bringing misery, death, mourning, famine, plague, earthquake, vivid lightnings, and so forth, ….
“…. causing the inhabitants of the earth to be made "to feel the wrath, and indignation, and chastening hand of an Almighty God, until the consumption decreed hath made a full end of all nations.“ It appears that now this is in course of fulfilment….” (Doctrines of Salvation 3:45-46).
Thought questions:
President Russell M. Nelson: “Spiritual security will always depend upon HOW one lives, not WHERE one lives.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/10/the-gathering-of-scattered-israel?lang=eng)
What the gathering of Israel look like?
Teaching Thoughts:
First Presidency: In 1905 the First Presidency wrote an official explanation. They gave two possible readings. Either Edward Partridge, as bishop in Zion in 1832, was the Lord's choice to implement the law of consecration, or the prophecy is to be fulfilled in the future. In the latter case, "let the Latter-day Saints know that he will be a future bishop of the church who will be with the Saints in Zion. . . . He will be designated by the inspiration of the Lord, and will be accepted and sustained by the whole Church." (Joseph F. Smith et al., "One Mighty and Strong," Deseret Evening News, November 11, 1905, 4.)
“Uzzah’s offence consisted in the fact that he had touched the ark with profane feelings, although with good intentions, namely to prevent its rolling over and falling from the cart. Touching the ark, the throne of the divine glory and visible pledge of the invisible presence of the Lord, was a violation of the majesty of the holy God. ‘Uzzah was therefore a type of all who with good intentions, humanly speaking, yet with unsanctified minds, interfere in the affairs of the kingdom of God, from the notion that they are in danger, and with the hope of saving them’ (O.V. Gerlach).” (Keil and Delitzsch, Commentary, bk. 2: Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 and 2 Samuel, “Second Book of Samuel,” p. 333.)
Today – do we have some who fear that the ark is tottering and presume to steady its course? There are those who are sure that women are not being treated fairly in the Church, those who believe they could do better with church finances, or those who would change the established doctrines of the Church based on popularity. These are ark-steadiers. The best of intentions do not justify interference with the Lord’s plan.
President David O. McKay: “It is a little dangerous for us to go out of our own sphere and try unauthoritatively to direct the efforts of a brother. You remember the case of Uzzah who stretched forth his hand to steady the ark. (See I Chron. 13:7–10.) He seemed justified, when the oxen stumbled, in putting forth his hand to steady that symbol of the covenant. We today think his punishment was very severe. Be that as it may, the incident conveys a lesson of life.
“Let us look around us and see how quickly men who attempt unauthoritatively to steady the ark die spiritually. Their souls become embittered, their minds distorted, their judgments faulty, and their spirits depressed. Such is the pitiable condition of men who, neglecting their own responsibilities, spend their time in finding fault with others.” (Gospel Ideals, p. 258).
Modern day Uzzah’s:
- Have good intentions.
- May have grown up around holiness.
- Take spiritual things for granted.
- Lack faith.
- Try unauthoritatively to direct the efforts of a sister or brother.
- Casually approach spiritual things.
- Stray away from the path of obedience to the path of good intentions.
- Disregard the Lord’s instructions.
Lessons from Uzzah:
- Don’t leave the covenant path to follow the path of good intentions.
- Unauthoritatively directing the Brethren is not loyal opposition.
- Your counsel does not equate to authority from God.
- Don’t take your spiritual heritage for granted.
- Don’t rationalize disobedience.
How can we keep from being a modern ‘ark-steadier?’
- Study the word of God and know for yourself what He has promised and commanded.
- Don’t put yourself in a place to do the wrong thing.
- Trust that the Lord knows how to steady His ark, church or church leadership.
- Reverence the sacred.
President Wilford Woodruff: “God has held the angels of destruction for many years, lest they should reap down the wheat with the tares. But I want to tell you now, that those angels have left the portals of heaven, and they stand over this people and this nation now and are hovering over the earth waiting to pour out the judgments. And from this very day they shall be poured out.” (Teachings of Wilford Woodruff, p. 230-231, August 1894).
President Joseph Fielding Smith: “In regard to the wars (World War II) now raging on the earth, I am sure the prophets have spoken of them. The Lord told Joseph Smith that the war between the States, commencing with the rebellion of South Carolina, was the beginning of the end.
“At that time peace was taken from the earth, and the prediction was made that beginning at that place, eventually war would be poured out upon all nations, bringing misery, death, mourning, famine, plague, earthquake, vivid lightnings, and so forth, ….
“…. causing the inhabitants of the earth to be made "to feel the wrath, and indignation, and chastening hand of an Almighty God, until the consumption decreed hath made a full end of all nations.“ It appears that now this is in course of fulfilment….” (Doctrines of Salvation 3:45-46).
Thought questions:
- How can you strive to make your heart a holy place?
- What are some ways that you can help make your home a holy place?
- If the prophet were to see your room, would he view it as a holy place? Do you?
- In your scripture study journals, or on your phone, write some answers to these thought questions and something that you will do today to stand in holy places more faithfully and not be moved from them.
President Russell M. Nelson: “Spiritual security will always depend upon HOW one lives, not WHERE one lives.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/10/the-gathering-of-scattered-israel?lang=eng)
What the gathering of Israel look like?
- “As you work together to remodel your home into a sanctuary of faith — filled with learning together from the home-centered, Church supported curriculum — that is gathering Israel.
- “As you parents create experiences where your children can learn to feel the Spirit of the Lord — that is gathering Israel.
- “As you do family history, serve and worship in the temple, use your discretionary time to draw closer to Heavenly Father and to His Son and to help someone else do the same — that is gathering Israel.
- “As you help to strengthen the testimonies of others; as you repent and help others to repent; as you reach out in your communities and participate in worthy efforts to alleviate suffering — that is gathering Israel. (https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2019-02-11/president-nelson-speaks-to-65000-latter-day-saints-on-what-it-really-means-to-gather-israel-48971?fbclid=IwAR1rr1-OfonzJXbRNipR5_WMRm5GBiCnxHFtk0yjkc-e1Gxb5ktbSDRDcX8)
Teaching Thoughts:
- What will you do to help gather Israel (the wheat) today?
- How will you continue to stand in holy places?
- How can we not become a modern ‘ark steadier?’
- Don’t leave the covenant path to follow the path of good intentions.