"God Will Be Revered"

  Sin is horrible and deplorable in the eyes of God. We live around sin so much daily that we take a softer, kinder approach to it. We are quick to dismiss it in our lives as just simply being "human", shrug our shoulders and move on. No big deal.

  There are times that sin is more costly than others. Ask Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5. God sent a message to the church that day by taking the life of two members of Christ's body. Just ask Uzzah in II Sam. 6. David was bringing the ark of God back. There was rejoicing as the ark traveled along and then suddenly it happened. An ox almost upset the cart and the ark tottered. Uzzah reached out, took hold and steadied it. Whew! What a close call and God struck him dead! Why? Because of his irreverence! He died right by the ark.You would have thought that God would have been pleased for someone helping and reward them. Does God think more of His furniture than the life of man?

  It was the Ark of the Covenant where God appeared enthroned above the cherubim and proclaimed the eternal truth of God's Majesty and Kingship. God had taught that His ark, when moved was to be carried by poles expressly made for that purpose (Ex. 25:10-22). From the beginning to the end, the whole situation was out of step with God's divine teachings. The final thrust was one man reaching up touching God's holiness giving little reverence. If one thinks about, they all should have died! One man died to show the rest, I am God and I will be honored and My words will be revered!  

  What are we to take from all this? We aren't talking about rituals here. We are speaking of seeing God for who He really is. We aren't to take Him for granted, do as we think He would want us to do but know that when He speaks through  His word, He can be trusted to do as He says. God has our best interest at heart and when we look at the cross, it's not something to be worn as jewelry or a sign, but the heart of God speaking to man, showing man the severity of their sins and He will not tolerate sin in us. Revere His name! Listen to Him and Him alone and beyond all, trust Him with our lives.