“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7 NKJV)
In the previous session, we discussed the strict requirements for the Priests. Coming before the Lord, in the Tabernacle, not in the Fear of the Lord, resulted in instant death. We will continue in this vein, and show how it applies to today.
First we want to clear up an erroneous error that is taught in some Churches. The belief that a rope was tied to the High Priest, in case, he made an error, and died while performing his duties. That his body could be dragged out of the most Holy place. This is Jewish tradition, and is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible, as part of the priest’s attire. The only time the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, was once a year. This day is known as The Day of Atonement.
We do in fact have several instances where failure to abide by God’s rule of Holiness, resulted in death.
“ Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. 2) So fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. 3) And Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke, saying:
‘By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; And before all the people
I must be glorified.” (Leviticus 10:1-3 NKJV)
“And when they came to Nachon’s threshing floor, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. 7) Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error; and he died there by the ark of God.” (2 Samuel 6:6-7 NKJV).
When God is reverenced, He will come in a Supernatural way.
“And it came to pass, when the priests came out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the Lord, 11) so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.” (1 Kings 8:10-11 NKJV).
What a sight that must have been. I have experienced the presence of the Lord so strong, in a service, that you could not even speak! Oh how we should long for that, to be a normal occurrence in our Churches.
The Holy Spirit is a Gentleman. He will not reside, where He is not reverenced, or wanted. Many Churches today, cry out for revival, but don’t practice Holiness. Don’t expect God to move mightily in your service, without the reverence and respect, He deserves.
I see this happening at an alarming pace. Churches allowing things of the world, into the fellowship. A Church in our neighborhood, is promoting secular dancing, including such sexually inappropriate ones like the Tango! I never thought I would see this take place, much less publicly advertised.
We can’t get over into the world, to attract the sinner. We need to be that light on the hill, and let the Holy Spirit draw them.
I see the modern Church, going in the direction of the Tabernacle at Shiloh.
“Now Eli was very old; and he heard everything his sons did to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.
23) So he said to them, ‘Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all the people. 24) No, my sons! For it is not a good report that I hear. You make the Lord’s people transgress. 25) If one man sins against another, God will judge him. But if a man sins against the Lord, who will intercede for him?’ Nevertheless they did not heed the voice of their father, because the Lord desired to kill them.” (1 Samuel 2:22-25 NKJV).
“Then she named the child Ichabod, saying, ‘The glory has departed from Israel!’ because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband.” (1 Samuel 4:21 NKJV).
How could the Children of Israel, go from a level of God being felt, in a thick cloud, to priests having sex in the very door of the Tabernacle? The slow decline of required holiness, and God’s tangible presence will leave.
We will continue with Part 3. CHRIS
Covenant Chronicles with Chris Lovett 