Anytime we’re told “not” to do something, we want to do it all the more. Why is that exactly? Today’s story starts with more death. This time the Israelites fall because they peeked inside the Ark. Was this a situation of curiosity? Did they not know what would happen if they looked inside?
Clearly this was a violation that angered the LORD. These people didn’t live to regret their decision. But those who didn’t peek and showed reverence were surprised and angered by what their own God did. This event set a precedent for the Ark and how it should be handled in the future.
We all do better when we have clear expectations. There is not as much room for misunderstanding if everyone is on the same page. Because of what has happened with the Ark, we can conclude that God’s holiness is so powerful even his own people need to be careful. There had been fear among the Israelites that seeing God would end in death.
What’s fascinating to me is that we read these accounts about the Ark, but today we have no idea where it is. Sure, there are theories, but because of the nature of the “possible” locations, scientists have not been able to recover the Ark much less test its authenticity.
Should the Ark ever be recovered, one should take great care. Can you imagine how the archeology world would be affected? Do you remember like I do the 1981 Indiana Jones movie, “Raiders of the Lost Ark?” That may be fiction, but I’ll never forget the scene when they opened it up!
My take-away from this short reading is that we need to respect God and his majesty. We should never try to be God or figure him out. We are created to worship him and make sure we tell other people about his great love for us.
Let’s pray …
Lord, I am in awe of your eminence. May you be blessed by my worship. I love to sing your praises. Watch over my loved ones and draw them closer to you. Illuminate my path so that I can walk in your ways. Use me to be your shining light in this dark world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
