Feb
18
Written by:
Route 365
2/18/2010 5:00 AM
written by Sara Albert
It’s obvious to me that both the Philistines and Israelites were a little slow on the uptake. The Philistines suffered greatly at the hand of God for a long time before they realized that just maybe they should return the Ark of the Covenant to its rightful owners. It took them seven months to finally realize the seriousness of their actions, and it was then that the priests and diviners hatched a plan to send the Ark on its way in hopes that the plagues and suffering that accompanied it would leave as well. In addition, they decided it was best to send a guilt offering along with the ark to show God that they really meant they were sorry. An elaborate plan was put into play, and ceremoniously the Ark was returned. The Israelites rejoiced as the Philistines breathed a sigh of relief. However, some of the Israelites let their curiosity get the best of them and peeked into the ark after it had been returned. They couldn’t leave well enough alone and God struck them down to once again show His divine power and authority.
I don’t know about you, but I am thankful I live now and not during pre-messianic times. Thoughts of animal sacrifice and burnt offerings are completely overwhelming to me. I can barely handle killing a spider, let alone a couple of cows. We are so fortunate that Christ was sent as the ultimate sacrifice for us – to cleanse us of our guilt and sins and to renew us. God doesn’t require us to jump through hoops for Him. He had a plan and fulfilled it, and then gave us the choice to follow His ways. I’m not saying that a life in Christ is without forfeit, but the way we sacrifice things for the Lord is constructed completely differently since Christ died on the cross for us. We sacrifice our time, money and talents when we serve Him. We sacrifice by living as Christ-like examples in this world and not of it. We sacrifice by doing what we know is right in God’s eyes even if it goes against the grain of society. If there’s one thing I’ve learned on my faith walk, it’s that when God is telling me to do something, it really is best to obey, even if it makes me a little uncomfortable. His messages aren’t as obvious as plagues of tumors and rats being sent my way, but I can feel Him guiding me when the decisions I’m making aren’t going in the direction He’s intending for me. I bet the Israelites and Philistines wished they had been listening a little more closely.
Your Fellow Traveler,
Sara
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