Send the presence of God with His ark back! Get rid of it!
The Philistines consult their priests and diviners as to what to do with the ark of the LORD! They don't want it around them. Their false gods fall down before it. Wherever it is, the Philistines break out with tumors.
They send it back with offerings of gold and the people rejoice. The people of Bethsemesh celebrate and give thanks when it comes to them led by two cows. They give the cows as a burnt offerings. They celebrate, but not all of them. They look upon the ark and seventy of the men are struck down by the LORD. Seventy of God's chosen people are struck down for not respecting the ark, which ultimately mean they disrespected God's presence with the ark. Not good news! The people, although excited to have it returned, are a little bit - ok - a whole lot nervous. Who can stand before the LORD? Do the wrong thing and die! So they look for someone who will be able to take possession of the ark - they (like the Philistines) don't want it among them.
Maybe steering clear from God's presence isn't such a bad thing? (being facetious in case you think I'm serious) At least from a human standpoint? Maybe this is why so many fail to come to the places designated to bring offerings of thanksgiving? Fear of coming into His presence? Just surmising... The good news is that we don't have to fear for Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins. He overcame the power of death for us. We can come joyfully into the presence of God. We can bring our offerings of thanksgiving without fear of death. We can hear His Word and celebrate!
Who can stand in the presence of God? Who can stand before the law of the LORD? Not a one of the Israelites. Not a one of us. But, there is one who could. Thanks be to God for Jesus the Christ!
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