God Will Not Be Used or Mocked: Understanding Who God Really Is

In our journey through the life of David, we've been exploring how God works through imperfect people to accomplish His perfect plan. As we move from Second Samuel chapters 2-4 into chapters 5-6, we discover profound truths about who God is by understanding who He is not and what He will not do.

Last week, we learned that God is not afraid of our mess. He doesn't run away from our chaotic situations but works through them. Many of us think God needs to work around our problems, but the reality is that He works through our decisions—both good and bad—to accomplish His purposes.
God works through imperfect people. The Bible doesn't show us perfect heroes but broken individuals who surrender to God. He encourages us through warnings, helping us see the small "cracks" forming in our

In Second Samuel 5, after 15 years of waiting, David finally takes the throne. At age 30, he begins his 40-year reign—first ruling over Judah for 7.5 years, then over all Israel and Judah for 33 years.
The book of Second Samuel begins with the phrase "after the death of Saul," raising the question: What kind of king will David be? Unlike Saul, will he truly be a man after God's own heart?

After David conquers Jerusalem from the Jebusites, he begins acting like the kings around him—taking more concubines and having more children. This raises concerns: Is David becoming too much like worldly rulers when Israel was supposed to be set apart?
This mirrors our own struggle as Christians. Are we becoming too much like the world? Are we compromising our walk with God because prayer, fasting, and sacrifice aren't easy?

When the Philistines attack, David demonstrates his dependence on God by seeking His guidance before battle. God promises victory and tells David to attack when he hears the sound of marching in the tops of the trees—a beautiful picture of God's angelic army going before him.
This reminds us that our battles are spiritual. We must ask God to fight for us, and He will go before us.

In chapter 6, we encounter a troubling story. David decides to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem—a good intention. The people celebrate with music and dancing as they transport the Ark on a new cart. But when the oxen stumble and Uzzah reaches out to steady the Ark, God's anger burns against him, and he dies instantly.
David becomes afraid of God and sends the Ark to the house of Obed-Edom. After hearing that God blessed Obed-Edom's household, David brings the Ark to Jerusalem—but this time, with proper reverence and sacrifice.

This story reveals two crucial truths about God:
1. God Will Not Be Used
Many of us treat God like a genie, expecting Him to align with our purposes and dreams. We make plans and expect God to bless them without considering His will. The third commandment warns against using the Lord's name in vain—which includes using God for our own purposes.
2. God Will Not Be Mocked
As Paul writes in Galatians 6:7-10: "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows." Disobedience will not be tolerated forever.

When we look at the bigger picture, we discover that God had established specific instructions for handling the Ark in Exodus 25:13-14. It was to be carried with poles by designated people—not transported on a cart like the Philistines did.
Uzzah's error wasn't just touching the Ark; it was part of a larger pattern of disobedience where they chose convenience over obedience. They tried to "improve" on God's instructions.

Many of us try to "update" or "improve" God's ways:
• "Let's change what God's Word says so more people will come to church."
• "Let's redefine marriage to fit modern sensibilities."
• "Let's adjust biblical parenting for today's culture."
• "Let's modify how we approach finances or work-life balance."
But God's Word isn't meant to make us feel better—it's meant to be obeyed. When we try to modify God's instructions for convenience or popularity, we're heading for a crash.

It's essential that we return to our first love and take God's Word seriously. The Christian journey isn't about inviting God to solve our problems; it's about inviting Him to walk through our situations with us.
Many pray for revival but haven't fasted for even 24 hours or truly sacrificed anything. True surrender means setting aside our plans for God's will.
Ask yourself these questions this week:
1. In what areas am I trying to "update" God's instructions to make them more convenient?
2. Am I treating God as a means to my ends, or am I surrendering to His purposes?
3. What specific step of obedience is God asking of me that I've been avoiding?
4. How can I demonstrate that I value God's ways above my own comfort?
Remember, God doesn't need our help or improvements to His Word. He needs our obedience and surrender. Let's commit to following His instructions, not because they're easy, but because they're right.