What other scriptures highlight the consequences of approaching God irreverently? The Warning at Sinai “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go down and warn the people not to break through to see the LORD, lest many of them perish.” (Exodus 19:21) Mount Sinai set the tone: God’s holiness is not casual. What follows are vivid reminders spread throughout Scripture showing what happens when that warning is ignored. Snapshots of Irreverence and Its Cost • Leviticus 10:1-2 – Nadab and Abihu offered “unauthorized fire before the LORD… So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died in the presence of the LORD.” • Numbers 16:31-33 – Korah’s rebellion ended as “the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them… They went down alive into Sheol.” • 1 Samuel 6:19 – Seventy men of Beth-shemesh merely looked into the ark: “the LORD had struck them with a great slaughter.” • 2 Samuel 6:6-7 – Uzzah touched the ark to steady it: “God struck him down there for his irreverence.” • 2 Chronicles 26:16-19 – King Uzziah forced his way into the temple to burn incense; leprosy broke out on his forehead and remained until death. • Acts 5:3-5 – Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit about a gift; “On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died.” • 1 Corinthians 11:27-30 – Partaking of the Lord’s Supper “in an unworthy manner… That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.” Threads That Tie These Accounts Together • Holiness is non-negotiable—God sets the terms of access. • Irreverence is not defined by human intentions but by divine instruction. • Judgment is often immediate, reinforcing that God’s patience never nullifies His justice. • The presence of God, whether on a mountain, in an ark, or in the gathered church, remains awe-inspiring and dangerous to treat lightly. Reverence Continues into the New Covenant Hebrews 12:28-29 anchors the theme: “Let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Grace never diminishes holiness; it heightens our responsibility to respond rightly. Living the Lesson Today • Approach worship thoughtfully—recognize whose presence you enter. • Treat Scripture, ordinances, and fellowship as sacred trusts, never casual rituals. • Examine motives regularly, allowing the Spirit to expose any pride, deceit, or presumption. • Cultivate gratitude; reverence grows where humble thankfulness thrives. |
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