Such thoughts

In the morning the LORD will showwho belongs to himand who is holy,and he will havethat person come near him.(Numbers 16:5)

Moses utters these words in the midst of a rebellion: people were not convinced Moses and Aaron were really chosen to be their leaders. So rather than inquire of the LORD, these people rose up against Moses. Unfortunately for them, this also meant they were rising up against God...and that didn't bode well for them.

The leaders were immediately disciplined:

(T)he ground under them split apart and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them...

The rest of the group didn't fare any better:(F)ire came out from the LORD and consumed the 250 followers.

Do you ever wonder what would be revealed if God came near to us and showed who is holy and who belongs to Him?

Would the earth open up and swallow me?

Would God's fire come down and consume you?

Surely there are times in our lives when we deserved that and worse.

Such thoughts ought to be a regular part of our meditation and reflection.

Such thoughts will drive us to rely upon God's graciousness.

Such thoughts will remind us of our sinfulness.

Such thoughts help to cultivate the fear of the LORD (which scripture teaches us is the beginning of wisdom).

Such thoughts can help us to live an intentional life, close to the God who has given us breath, and has taught us how we are to live.

May God use such thoughts today to draw us close to Him and be conforming us to His image.

Grace & peace