Should Have Known Better

Scripture: But God struck down some of the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy* 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. 1 Samuel 6:19 (* footnote: most manuscripts say 50,070)

Observation: After the ark causes death and disease to the Philistines and is returned to Israel, those who receive it are struck dead due to their actions. They can't help themselves, but they open the ark. Only Moses and Aaron of likely ever done that, and only when they were placing specific items inside the ark ... the tablets from of the ten commandments, the staff that sprouted, and a jar of manna.

God had a "heavy hand" toward the Philistines, but he was even more harsh toward Israel. With the Philistines, his actions were that of the Lord against a nation that had taken his personal belonging, and he acted toward them for the purpose of ensuring they realized their guilt and corrected the situation. However, with Israel, his actions are a direct response to impertinence. Israel knows the value of the ark, and yet they approach and inspect it.

The Philistines are an enemy who treats the ark as if it is an important and honored objected, and return it when hardship comes on them for taking it. Israel is supposed to be a nation of priests who obey and honor the Lord, but they treat the ark as a curiosity they should possess and understand.

Application: There is a major difference between communicating with God, and even questioning issues of life or debating current problems, and disrespecting the authority of God's word and the nature of his sovereignty. I can approach the Lord as my father and my teacher. I can speak to Jesus as my friend, and cry out through the Holy Spirit when I do not understand his way. However, the Lord's is the master, creator of the universe, with all power and authority. Instructions he gives are for me to obey.

I must begin to understand that I don't get to pick and choose what instructions to obey. I don't really get to inspect them, or probe into their meaning and purpose. God has provided guidance in my life, and my job is to follow that guidance. If I am adopted into Israel, and thus part of the nation of priests, there is an expectation that I will treat God with more respect that those with no knowledge of the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, I respect and honor your instructions. My thought life wanders, and my daily walk is not always in obedience to your laws and precepts. I do wish to correct that. I do not question your authority, over the world, nor over my life. I am yours. May thy will be done. Amen.