Devotion for March 23, 2012

[Arendt Rebecca]

E-Devotions

Is God Severe? But God struck down some of the men of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy of them to death because they had looked into the ark of the LORD.  I Samuel 6:19 At first glance this may seem to be a pretty harsh punishment God has inflicted on these men.  Throughout the Old Testament there are times that it appears God is severe.  We might have a tendency to excuse these men.  They were all excited that the Ark had been returned and now proximity and curiosity pushed them to have a closer look.  Maybe they excused their audacity and arrogance as just normal inquisitiveness.  This was not just one or two taking a peek.  This had become a parade, a peep show! The commands were clear.  God did not hide the rules.  No one other than a designated few were to touch the Ark.  The Levites alone would carry it by use of long poles.  For these men to look inside meant that one or more had to remove the lid which would require touching the Ark.  The most sacred object had now become an item of curiosity.  Reverence was replaced with yearning.  Respect exchanged for gratification. How many men were encouraged to come take a look but refused and walked away?  Were there some men who stood off at a distance and warned of danger?  Had the arrogance of Eli's sons Hophni and Phinehas been the example that led them to this terrible end?  They treated God's sacrifices with disdain and contempt and now these men have done the same with the Ark. God is not severe or harsh.  Treating him with contempt will end in destruction.       To order, please send $14.95 (plus 2.95 S&H) Click the "Buy Now" button to purchase using Paypal or send a check to: Russell Eggert Ministries 6 Marsham Drive Marlton, NJ 08053 (Please include shipping address) Copyright 2011 Russell Eggert Ministries

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