Exodus 27

The Lord continued to give instructions on how to, not only construct the sanctuary, but also how to interact with Him once it was complete. More than once he told the people to do it exactly as he had shown them.

Aaron and his sons were given the task of keeping the lamp outside the veil burning from evening until morning. The two sons were part of the crowd who had seen the God of Israel in Exodus 24. So, they knew the laws and regulations.

Even so, we see in Leviticus 10:1-2 that they were careless in their offering of fire. They did it their way and died for it.

👉 Bonus: In Exodus 25, the people were given specific instructions on how to carry the ark. It was to be carried with poles on their shoulders.

Yet, in 2 Samuel 6:1-8, we find the people doing it their own way – placing the ark in a cart pulled by oxen. The oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out to steady the ark, and God struck him dead.

👉 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. Proverbs 14:12

We can’t approach God however we want and expect zero consequences. We certainly can’t blatantly disregard His instructions and come out unscathed.

I fear we (myself included) tend to approach God quite casually. He is approachable – but there is a correct way to come to Him. He is loving Father but also Holy God. We can choose to do it our own way, but there will be a steep price to pay.