They sent messengers to the residents of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have returned the ark of the Lord. Come down and get it.” - 1 Samuel 6:21
When the good citizens of Beth-Shemesh found themselves in possession of the Ark of the Covenant, they were loathe to allow it to remain in their midst. It seems that in their ignorance, some had dared to lift the lid of the ark resulting in instantaneous death for 70 of the curious on-lookers. In the aftermath of this horrific tragedy, the people of the village elected to contact their neighbors in Kirath-jearim in hopes that they might come and take the dangerous item away.
Rather than seek a submissive path to understanding the God they had offended, Beth-Shemesh chose a future of fearful ignorance without Him. In escaping the suspected danger of expected judgment, they missed the absolute blessing of divine presence.
We who belong to Christ, citizens of His Kingdom, have no need to live in fearful ignorance. While His presence requires a necessary reverence, we need not be afraid or cast that presence away to somehow preserve our ease. We must instead zealously embrace it in order to discover the life He intends.
We must run to Jesus, not away from Him.
The law works fear and wrath; grace works hope and mercy. - Martin Luther
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