Tuesday, April 6, 2010

the presence of the LORD

1 Samuel 4-6

The Israelites were foolish and took the Ark of the LORD to the battlefield because the thought it was a good-luck charm.  But God had not told them to do that, so it just got them into a bigger mess. 

The Philistines experienced the wrath of God while they kept the Ark of the LORD in captivity, which shows that God's just wrath is not withheld from those who do not approach God on His terms.  Sadly, though, even when the Ark was returned to the Israelites, some of the Israelites died when they tried to peek inside the Ark.  Even the Israelites forgot how Holy God is:

6:20 "Who is able to stand in the presence of the Lord, this holy God?" they cried out.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the blood of Jesus Christ, which washes away my sin and allows me to come into your presence without judgment or condemnation.  Thank you for the resurrection of Christ, which gives us victory over sin and death.  Lord, please make me a holy man who longs to stay in your presence.  Please help me see the holiness of God in the Father, the Son, and the Spirit.  I pray in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

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