After losing a battle against the
Philistines, the Israelites make the decision to bring into their camp the Ark
of the Covenant. This was the box, made according to God’s specific directions,
that suggested, in the words of one commentator, God’s “rulership,” the
“revelation” of his will, and the “reconciliation” he offered through the
ministry of the high priest. The ark was at the center of Israel’s worship and, as
such, was closely related to God himself. But the Israelites decision smacked
more of sorcery than it did of piety. God showed that he would not be
controlled by the schemes of men and the Israelites suffered defeat.
Though the Philistines conquered
the Israelites and captured the ark, God declared in no uncertain terms that he
would not be conquered. He made a mockery of Dagon, the Philistine’s god, he
plagued the people of the Philistine cites, and, finally, he confirmed that,
far from being conquered, he was their conqueror by causing the ark to be
returned to the Israelites in a manner that proved he was the source of their
troubles.
But the return of the Ark to the
Israelites revealed one more truth: God is not to be profaned. Several scores
of men are struck down for looking upon the ark, something only the
priesthood was allowed to do.
It is no wonder, then, that someone
would voice the question, desperate in its tone, “Who can stand before the
Lord?
The truth of the matter is, no one
can. God is holy and not to be trifled with. This is why we desperately need
the gospel. The righteousness we lack is revealed in the message that tells of
a heaven-sent Savior who propitiates God’s wrath through his loving obedience
for all who place their trust in him. Only if we are found to be in Christ are
we able to stand before this holy God.
