The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

VIOLATING THE HOLINESS OF GOD

For Israel, the ark represented God’s awe-inspiring presence, and it unified the twelve tribes as one people. For this pilgrimage David had men set the ark on a new cart pulled by oxen. When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out to stabilize it. Immediately, the anger of the Lord burned against him and he died.

The Lord had given strict instructions concerning the transportation of the ark (Ex 25:13 – 14; Nu 4:15; 7:7 – 9; 2Ch 15:13 – 15). It was only to be transported by poles carried on the shoulders of Levites. When these commands were violated, the Lord defended his holiness. This zeal frightened David. All in the procession were reminded that when the fear of the Lord fades, the community is at risk. When sinful man encroaches upon the holiness of God, a price must be paid.

Because of Christ’s atoning death and resurrection, believers now have access to boldly approach God in prayer with confidence and a clean conscience (Heb 10:19 – 22). Jesus paid the price for encroaching upon the holiness of God. On the cross, Jesus died in our place as payment. Therefore, Jesus opened a new and living way to enter the holy sanctuary of God.

Jesus, thank you for dying in my place so I could have direct access to a fearsome, mighty, holy God. Help me to never take that for granted. Amen.