Putting Distance Between Myself and the Holiness of God

Synopsis     1Sam 6:19-7:6     8/23/2018

The Philistines released the ark to see where it would go. The ark arrived at Beth-shemesh. And initially the people rejoiced. The people there offered sacrifices and celebrated its return.

But some of the inhabitants did not reverence the ark. And God struck them down. As a result, the people of Beth-shemesh looked to find a community more willing to take the ark. The people of Kearith-jearim accepted the ark and transported it back to their city.

Under Samuel’s leadership and judgement, the Israelites returned to following the Lord earnestly. Samuel formally began his ministry to the people at Mizpah.

Irreverence, Death and Distance

The people of Beth-shemesh were Levites. They knew how to reverence the presence of God at the ark of the Covenant. And yet, they looked upon the ark irreverently. This caused some sort of outburst that killed many of the people.

And so, they became afraid to be near the ark. They inquired to see if another community would take up the ark. And finally, the people of Kearth-jearim stepped up.

Putting Distance Between Myself and Holiness of God

When it comes to the prospect of encountering God, many people have voiced to me their sense of condemnation. They feel condemned – like they’ll never be worthy to be in God’s presence. Meeting God, they imagine, would cause them to be overwhelmed by their sense of guilt and shame.

For whatever reason, when I think about encountering God my sin isn’t what comes to mind. I can imagine that kind of awareness might be a part of such an encounter. I’m a big sinner. Bigger than most.

But what makes the prospect of encountering God fearful to me is the overwhelm of His power. How do I come to terms with the God of all creation?

Our universe is filled with an unimaginable amount of energy distributed over an unimaginable distance in space and time. And even this doesn’t define Him. He made the universe. But His power remained unabated despite His act of creation. So, this infinitely powerful being calls me friend.

And I’m wondering: How am I supposed to be friends with that?

And I’m thinking: This might be easier if I just put my head in the sand. That’s what they did at Beth-shemesh. That’s the lesson.

When it comes to God, I’m intimidated. But He knows. He knows that I’m overwhelmed. So He comes to me in a way that I can relate. He entered time. He came as a man with a father and a mother. And, He comes to me with a story that I can relate to. And He says, “I call you friend”.

I’m still a little afraid. But, in truth, it’s hard to argue with God.

“I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.” John 15:15