God judges Unbelievers differently than Believers! 1 Samuel 6-10

The story of the Ark lost to the Philistines in a battle gives us great insight into God's Character and the unbeliever vs. the believer's life. When the Philistines realize that the Ark is the cause of their sickness and has cursed them they attempt to apease God with woeful sacrifice and to return the Ark. Here is where we see something interesting with God and how He works different with unblievers and believers. In 5:8 we read that the Lords of the Philistines lifed the Ark and put it on a cart. The cart, pulled by oxen, would take the Ark were ever God lead them (note their limited faith in God's sovereign guidance of dumb oxen!). God allows them to touch the Ark and place it on a cart. However, in 2 Samuel 6:3, when David finally attempts to bring the Ark home, Uzzah, a believing Jew, is killed for touching the Ark. He in is passion to protect the Ark is killed for touching it, the Philistines in their ignorant form of worship are spared after touching it ... at least spared for awhile. One might find conflict in this comparison. However, what we see is the fulfillment of the principle Christ talked about in the Gospels: To whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). God demands more and judges those differently who have "revelation." When we were dead to sin (didn't realize the affect it had on us) we were alive to self and things of this type didn't affect us (Romans 7:9). The non-believing world can ignore God's people, God's worhip, God's word and seem at ease. But, God is in the midst of those He gives revelation to. They are required to obey God. That is why the writer of Hebrews tells us that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hand of the Living God (Hebrews 10:31). The writer their might have had the story of Uzzah in mind. When we believe in God we have a different standard to live by. The fruit of that is a great thing. But, the disobedience is as equally good. The Philisitines will soon be dead in the story, judgement will come. However, for us, victory is secure. But, the walk should be cautious and obedient.