Curious Consequences | 1 Samuel 6:19

Do you really want to know what's in the Ark of God?

Welcome to the Daily Devo. I am Vince Miller.

This week, we are reading 1 Samuel 6. I've titled this chapter "From Confusion to Clarity."

In chapter 6, the Ark of God returns. The priests offer a sacrifice upon the return, but they make a fatal mistake:

And he struck some of the men of Beth-shemesh, because they looked upon the ark of the Lord. He struck seventy men of them, and the people mourned because the Lord had struck the people with a great blow. — 1 Samuel 6:19

One Quick Peek

We're curious beings, aren't we?

I've been curious since my teens. I remember taking things apart to understand how they worked. But as I've grown older and wiser, I've learned there are lines and limits to curiosity. Sometimes curiosity pays off positively; other times, it brings severe consequences.

In our relationship with God, it's good to be curious about Him and His will in our lives. Yet, we must tread carefully when our curiosity leads to selfish thoughts, attitudes, or actions. God sets boundaries that shouldn't be crossed. When we defy these boundaries, we distance ourselves from Him and face the consequences.

Why Do The Priests Peek?

Here's the big question: Why did these 70 priests of God dare to peek into the Ark? They knew better—they were explicitly instructed never to touch, open, or even look inside it. That's basic priestly training.

Their curiosity may have stemmed from eagerness to see if the Philistines took anything from the Ark, or perhaps it was their first chance to see it outside the Tabernacle. Whatever the reason, their disobedience cost them their lives.

What Was In The Box?

So, are you curious? Do you want to know what was in the Ark of God?  I know you do. According to Hebrews 9:4, the Ark contained three objects:

1. The Tablets of Stone: The tablets on which God wrote the Ten Commandments.
2. Aaron's Rod: This was a stick that belonged to Aaron, who was a high priest of Israel.
3. A Jar of Manna: This was the bread that God provided for the Israelites when they were wandering in the desert.

They represented the rule, protection, and provision of God.

Hard Lessons for Men of The Cloth

God's boundaries apply to all. His justice doesn't spare insiders who defy His will. Recent events involving prominent spiritual leaders prove this point. For example, consider James McDonald, Ravi Zacharias, Bill Hybels, and the latest, Tony Evans.

For some, this is heartbreaking, but it is simply a strong reminder.

Curiosity within God's will is safe and beneficial, but beyond it lies danger.

So be curious, but don't be tempted to step outside the will of God.

#CuriosityAndConsequences, #GodsBoundaries, #WisdomInObedience

Ask This:

1. How can we maintain a healthy balance between curiosity and obedience in our daily walk with God?
2. Reflecting on times when curiosity led to positive outcomes versus negative consequences, how can we apply lessons from the priests' mistakes to our own lives today?

Do This:

Be appropriately curious.

Pray This:

Father, help me discern between healthy curiosity that seeks Your will and selfish curiosity that leads astray. Guide me to honor Your boundaries, knowing Your wisdom protects and guides me always. Amen.

Play This:

Every Direction.