Today’s Devotional: “God Is Not Mocked”

There is a real danger when we begin to treat God and the things of God lightly.

Consider how the Lord’s anger burned against Uzza, striking him down after Uzza laid his hand on the Ark of the Covenant.

“Uzza put out his hand to hold the ark, for the oxen stumbled. Then the anger of the Lord was aroused against Uzza, and He struck him because he put his hand to the ark; and he died there before God. (1 Chronicles 13:9-10)

This story has many people scratching their heads, wondering why a loving and compassionate God would strike someone dead who was only trying to prevent the Ark from possibly falling.

It was as if Uzza didn’t believe that God was sufficient and all-powerful, and that He couldn’t look after Himself. But it may also have been because God was upset with David and the priesthood for failing to transport the Ark of the Covenant as prescribed in His word (Numbers 4:1-6).

Although this is assumed to be an Old Testament concept, it is extended to the New Covenant, as seen in the story of Ananias and Sapphira. They thought it was no big deal to lie about their giving. But Peter said they hadn’t lied to men, but to the Holy Spirit, and at that moment they died (Acts 5:1-11).

Again, as we read this story, we never think it applies to us. Yet consider what the Apostle Paul said.

“Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? … It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:29, 31)

God isn’t mocked; therefore, let’s approach him reverently, with trembling and a holy fear.