I Samuel 6
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I Samuel 6:19-20, But God struck down some of the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy[a] of them to death because they looked into the ark of the Lord. The people mourned because of the heavy blow the Lord had dealt them. And the people of Beth Shemesh asked, “Who can stand in the presence of the Lord, this holy God? To whom will the ark go up from here?”
The Ark of the Covenant had become a liability to the Philistines and they knew it had to be returned. They return it to Israel, sending a guilt offering of golden tumors and golden rats along with it, to "appease" the God of Israel. The Ark is met with much joy by the people of Beth Shemesh, the town to which the Philistines sent the Ark. They make offerings to the Lord and the Levites set the Ark on a large rock for all to see.
But there were problems here too. Some of the inhabitants were bold enough to look into the Ark and God struck them down. To us, this seems kind of harsh but God had given his people strict rules about handling the Ark of the Covenant. This is where the presence of God dwelt among his people. It wasn't to be taken lightly. It wasn't simply a curiosity; it was the presence of the living God and thus, there should be reverence and even fear. The people seem a bit shocked. They ask, "Who can stand in the presence of the Lord, this holy God?"
I am quite relieved that we live on the other side of the cross. Because of Jesus' death on the cross, the veil in the temple was torn. We no longer have to be fearful about being in the presence of a holy God as the Israelites once did. As Hebrews 4:16 states, we can go boldly to the throne of grace and receive his mercy. Jesus has made a way for us to be reconciled to God; no more barriers and no more fear.
At the same time, I think there is still a place for reverence. We don't need to be hesitant or fearful of God but we should still have a deep respect that God is God and we are not.
Let's pray...Lord Jesus, Almighty God, Thank you for making a way for us to be in relationship with a holy God. Help us remember who you are and who we are and not get that confused. In Your Name, Amen.