Make no mistake about it: Many people fear God and think he’s about as approachable as King Kong. They recall the story of Moses and the terrified Israelites at Mt. Sinai when God revealed himself with, “thunder and lightning flashes, and a thick cloud upon the mountain and a very loud trumpet sound, so that all the people in the camp trembled” (Exodus 19:16). The God that could create and control such powerful physical forces as thunder, lightning and clouds doesn’t seem too welcoming.
On another occasion the oxen carrying the ark of God stumbled and a man irreverently reached out to stabilize the ark. Immediately, God struck him dead (2 Samuel 6:6-7). Such a violent punishment leveled against an act of disrespect gives the feeling reaching out to God is about as smart as placing your hand on the face of a hot iron.
Apart from those stories people have also gotten the mistaken idea that all sorts of religious hoops have to be jumped through to get to God.
All such misconceptions about God are laid to rest in a manger, in a stable, in Bethlehem some 2,000 years ago. Who could be more approachable than an infant? Who could be less of a threat than a swaddled child with his hands secured at his side? Who invites affection and love more than a newborn child?
You see, don’t you? God entered our world as a baby because he wanted us to know he is approachable. This Christmas as you contemplate the Christ child–draw near to God. He invites your affection and adoration.
Dear Bill Perkins,
This question has nothing to do with the article. I don’t understand why the guy who touched the Ark was killed? He only touched it because he thought it was going to fall over. I supposed if he let fall over, he would have been killed for that. A rock and a hard place.