Lava in paradise

Lava in paradise

Bible:2 Samuel 6:1-9

Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire” (HEBREWS 12:28-29).

Reading

All is quiet, except for slow-moving rivers of hissing lava. The people stand grim-faced yet amazed. Most days they call this place ‘paradise’. On this day, however, the fiery lava in Hawaii reminded everyone that God made these islands through untameable volcanic power. The ancient Israelites knew about untameable power too. When King David brought the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem (2 SAMUEL 6:1-4), a celebration broke out (V.5)—until Uzzah died suddenly when he grabbed hold of the ark to steady it on the oxen-drawn cart (VV.6-7). This may make us think of God as being as unpredictable as a volcano, just as likely to create as He is to destroy. However, it helps to remember that God had given Israel specific instructions for how to handle the things set apart for worshipping Him, like the ark (SEE NUMBERS 4). Israel could be close to God, but His presence was too overwhelming for them to come to Him carelessly. Hebrews 12 remembers Mount Sinai, “burning with fire,” where God gave Moses the ten commandments for His people. That mountain terrified everyone (HEBREWS 12:18-21). But then we’re told: “You have come to . . . Jesus the mediator of a new [agreement with God]” (VV.22-24). Jesus—God’s Son— made the way for us to draw near to His all-powerful, yet loving Father.

HOW GREAT TO KNOW THAT OUR ALL-POWERFUL
GOD LOVES US WITH INFINITE LOVE!

YouTh Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries