How can we apply the fear of God shown in Numbers 17:13 today? Introducing the Passage “Everyone who approaches the tabernacle of the LORD will die. Are we all to perish?” (Numbers 17:13) What Happened in Numbers 17 • Korah’s rebellion had just been judged (Numbers 16). • To end the murmuring, God caused Aaron’s rod to bud, proving the priesthood belonged to Aaron’s line alone (Numbers 17:8). • The people, finally grasping God’s holiness, cried out in fear—our verse records that moment. The Fear of God Displayed • This fear was not abstract; it rose from witnessing divine judgment. • It acknowledged God’s right to set boundaries about how He is approached. • It recognized human sinfulness and the danger of treating holy things casually. Timeless Principles We Can Apply • God’s holiness has not changed (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 12:28-29). • Proper worship requires coming to Him on His terms, not ours (John 14:6; Hebrews 10:19-22). • A healthy fear guards us from presumption and cultivates obedience (Proverbs 1:7; Ecclesiastes 12:13). • Fear and love are partners, not rivals (Psalm 130:4; 1 John 4:18). Practical Steps for Today • Examine worship habits – Approach God with confession and humility rather than routine (1 John 1:9). – Prepare heart and mind before gatherings; resist casual, distracted attitudes. • Treat Scripture as God’s voice – Read with the intent to obey, not merely to gain information (James 1:22-25). • Honor Christ’s mediating work – Thank Him regularly that, unlike Israel outside the tabernacle, we have direct access through His blood (Hebrews 4:14-16). – Reject any thought that sin is harmless because grace abounds (Romans 6:1-2). • Cultivate accountability – Invite fellow believers to remind you when attitudes or actions drift toward irreverence (Hebrews 3:13). • Guard the gathering – Serve, dress, speak, and lead in ways that spotlight God’s majesty rather than personal preference (1 Corinthians 10:31). Encouragement to Walk in Reverence Awe is the doorway to joy. When we treasure God’s holiness, we also taste His goodness. The fear Israel felt at the tabernacle drives us to cling to the cross, where holiness and mercy meet. Live each day aware that the same holy God now calls you His child—so draw near with reverent confidence, letting “perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1) shape every step. |
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