What other Scriptures highlight the consequences of disregarding God's commands on sacred matters? Consecration still matters “The Kohathites are not to go in and look at the holy things, even for a moment, or they will die.” — Numbers 4:20 Fire that devoured: Nadab and Abihu • Leviticus 10:1-2: “Nadab and Abihu… presented unauthorized fire before the LORD… so fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them.” • God’s own priests ignored precise directions; immediate judgment underscored that nearness to God demands obedience. Looking into the ark: Men of Beth-shemesh • 1 Samuel 6:19-20: “He struck down some of the men of Beth-shemesh because they had looked into the ark of the LORD… The people mourned, saying, ‘Who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God?’” • Curiosity overran reverence, and seventy men fell. Touching the ark: Uzzah • 2 Samuel 6:6-7: “When they came to the threshing floor of Nakon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark… and the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there.” • A well-intentioned reflex still violated a clear command (Numbers 4:15). Unauthorized censer: King Uzziah • 2 Chronicles 26:16-21: “He entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense… Leprosy broke out on his forehead… and he lived in isolation until the day of his death.” • Success bred presumption; sacred space remained off-limits to the unappointed. Desecrated vessels: Belshazzar • Daniel 5:2-6, 30: “Belshazzar… brought in the gold and silver vessels… They drank wine and praised their gods… That very night Belshazzar king of the Chaldeans was slain.” • Holy objects pressed into pagan revelry brought swift downfall. Lying to the Spirit: Ananias and Sapphira • Acts 5:3-5, 9-10: “You have not lied just to men but to God… and he fell down and died.” • In the newborn church, deceit about a consecrated gift met instant death, emphasizing God’s unchanged holiness. Irreverent communion at Corinth • 1 Corinthians 11:27-30: “Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty… For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.” • Disregard for the Lord’s Table carried tangible physical consequences. Ongoing warning texts • Hebrews 10:29-31: “How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God?” • Hebrews 12:28-29: “Let us offer to God acceptable worship… for our God is a consuming fire.” Takeaway threads • God defines what is sacred, and His definitions have never expired. • Proximity to holy things is a privilege governed by obedience. • Judgment for irreverence may be immediate or delayed, but it is never unjust. • The cross has opened access, not lessened holiness (Hebrews 4:16; 1 Peter 1:15-16). |
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