A good friend shared this thought with me as we discussed Uzzah and his death after reaching out to steady the Ark (1 Chronicles 13:7-10).
The Ark of the covenant was where the presence of God dwelt, far and above the tabernacle or the temple. It was 'the' centrepiece of the Jewish religion, and was The most holy relic that God had given them.
God had commanded the Ark to be transported by large poles, which the priests would use when transporting it, He also commanded that no one touch the Ark. Thus we see two aspects of disobedience in Uzzah's tale; One, it was carried by cart, and Two, Uzzah stuck out his hand and touched it. God killed him for his disobedience and disregard of God's instructions.
Relevant to us?
Today God does not dwell in temples, tabernacles or in impressive, gold boxes; He chooses to dwell in His people. Our bodies are described as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Therefore when we reach our hands out to inappropriately touch another Christian, we commit a similar sin to Uzzah. We touch the very dwelling place of God.
Examples
We have been commanded not to commit sexual immorality, to abstain from it outside the beautiful bonds of marriage. When we disobey this command, we are recklessly and without respect manhandling a 'vessel of God'.
When we get angry and lash out at another Christian we stretch our hand out, in disrespect to a chosen vessel of God . . . our list could go on.
The Ark of the covenant was where the presence of God dwelt, far and above the tabernacle or the temple. It was 'the' centrepiece of the Jewish religion, and was The most holy relic that God had given them.
God had commanded the Ark to be transported by large poles, which the priests would use when transporting it, He also commanded that no one touch the Ark. Thus we see two aspects of disobedience in Uzzah's tale; One, it was carried by cart, and Two, Uzzah stuck out his hand and touched it. God killed him for his disobedience and disregard of God's instructions.
Relevant to us?
Today God does not dwell in temples, tabernacles or in impressive, gold boxes; He chooses to dwell in His people. Our bodies are described as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Therefore when we reach our hands out to inappropriately touch another Christian, we commit a similar sin to Uzzah. We touch the very dwelling place of God.
Examples
We have been commanded not to commit sexual immorality, to abstain from it outside the beautiful bonds of marriage. When we disobey this command, we are recklessly and without respect manhandling a 'vessel of God'.
When we get angry and lash out at another Christian we stretch our hand out, in disrespect to a chosen vessel of God . . . our list could go on.
