How does reverence for God's holiness apply to our worship today? The Setting in 1 Samuel 6:19 • “But God struck down the men of Beth-shemesh because they looked into the ark of the LORD. He struck down seventy men. The people mourned because the LORD had struck the people with a great slaughter.” (1 Samuel 6:19) • Israel had just recovered the ark from Philistine hands. Curiosity outweighed caution; men lifted the cover and stared inside. • The result—swift judgment—reminds that God’s holiness is never casual. Even well-meaning people suffer when treating holy things lightly. God’s Holiness: A Non-Negotiable Reality • “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” (Isaiah 6:3) • Holiness means “set apart,” morally perfect, blazing purity. • Scripture treats this as fact, not concept. From Sinai’s thunder (Exodus 19) to the burning bush (Exodus 3:5), closeness without reverence proves fatal. Reverence Expressed in Old Testament Worship • Physical distance: Only priests could handle the ark (Numbers 4:15). • Precise obedience: Nadab and Abihu offered “unauthorized fire” and died (Leviticus 10:1-3). • Heart posture: “Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.” (Psalm 2:11) Implications for New Testament Worship • The cross did not dilute God’s holiness; it satisfied it. • “Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29) • Early church example: Ananias and Sapphira fell dead for deceit in offering (Acts 5:1-11). The result: “great fear seized the whole church.” • The Lord’s Table: “Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 11:27) Practical Ways to Cultivate Reverence Today Personal preparation • Examine motives before gatherings (1 Corinthians 11:28). • Confess known sin quickly—do not normalize it (1 John 1:9). Attitude in corporate worship • Sing and pray to God, not merely about Him (Psalm 95:1-7). • Embrace silence; space communicates awe (Habakkuk 2:20). Handling Scripture • Approach preaching and study with expectancy, not critique (Isaiah 66:2). • Quote accurately; avoid twisting texts to fit trends (2 Timothy 2:15). Offering resources • Give cheerfully yet thoughtfully, recognizing gifts touch holy purposes (Proverbs 3:9-10). Lifestyle overflow • Holiness on Sunday rings hollow without weekday integrity (Romans 12:1). • Honor marriage, work, speech, and online presence as arenas of worship (Colossians 3:17). A Final Heart Check Reverence is not fear that drives away, but awe that draws near on God’s terms. The men of Beth-shemesh teach that casual curiosity about holy things kills. Christ’s blood opens the way; humble gratitude keeps it open. Let worship today be joyful, yes—but joy wrapped in trembling wonder before the same consuming fire who mercifully calls us His own. |
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