The Sacred – Building My House

As a child and young adult, I struggled with some of the consequences God inflicted on people in the Bible. Why did one person get punished for the same type of action for which another was forgiven? Uzzah was killed for reaching out to keep the ark of the covenant from falling. Saul was eventually stripped of his kingship for offering a sacrifice. The list of examples could become quite long if we search the scriptures. These two stood out in my mind as I read about Naaman recently.

Naaman was not an Israelite, but was the commander of the Syrian army- quite a coveted title. He became plagued with leprosy, and his slave girl (an Israelite child that the Syrian army had captured) suggested he go see Elisha, the prophet from Israel. In desperation, he went but thought himself too important to follow the instructions given him to dip in the Jordan River seven times, stating that the waters in Damascus were better than any of the waters in Israel. Naaman was healed once he humbled himself enough to follow the exact instructions given him. Not only was Naaman’s physical body healed, but his heart was completely changed as well- so much so that he asked to bring home two loads of dirt from Israel in which to make sacrifices to the One, True God. He vowed to never make an offering to any other god.

The part that struck me as I read this story in 2 Kings 5, was the final request Naaman made.

“Then Naaman said, ‘If not, please let there be given to your servant two mule loads of earth, for from now on your servant will not offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god but the Lord. In this matter may the Lord pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, leaning on my arm, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, the Lord pardon your servant in this matter.’ He said to him, ‘Go in peace.’” 2 Kings 5:17-19

Naaman knew he was going to have to obey his master, and help him bow before a false god when his master worshipped. However, he asked that the Lord forgive him for this, and Elisha told him to go in peace.

Why was Naaman pardoned in entering the temple of this false god, while Uzzah and Saul were punished for not following the commands of God to the letter? I believe the answer lies within 1 Samuel 16:7.

^“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.'”

God seems to have pardoned Naaman, because he became willing to fully obey the Lord’s command, though he was brand new to this faith. Unaware of the requirements God had given Israel, he still recognized the power and goodness of God and saw the importance of keeping the sacred things sacred. This man originally unwilling to dip in Israel’s water ended up asking for the dirt from Israel in order to offer sacrifices on it.

Contrast this with Uzzah and the Israelites at a time when they had begun doing things their way, losing sight of the sacred. In God’s mercy, he allowed a tragic event to remind the people to follow Him alone. Their hearts had veered away from God, which was evident in their disobedience in the manner with which they carried the ark- on a cart rather than the poles God had commanded. (1 Chronicles 13)

In a separate event, Saul offered a sacrifice himself rather than waiting for the priest, Samuel, to arrive. Only priests could offer sacrifices, and Samuel had told Saul he would be there. Saul became nervous when Samuel was late, knowing that the Israelites would soon fight the Philistines. Saul wanted God’s blessing and help, but he didn’t understand God or have a relationship with Him. Therefore, he didn’t call upon the Lord or seek what God would have him do. With a shallow faith, he did what he saw as best. (1 Samuel 13)

The actions of the Israelites in the first story and the conduct of Saul don’t seem so very bad on the outside, but the Lord saw their hearts. Though they were completely aware of the Lord’s laws, they were unwilling to keep them when it was easier to do their own thing. I fear that as Christians, we have lost our willingness to the keep the sacred when it is inconvenient or hard. We follow 90% of what the Lord has required, but toss out the remaining 10% thinking God will overlook it. But let us not forget that man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks deep down in the heart.

I want to respect, fear, and love the Lord in such a way that I keep His law to my best ability. Knowing God has grace on the repentent sinner, I don’t want to abuse that great privilege living life in whatever way I choose. I don’t want to be loose in my keeping of the sacred things. In those moments when they seem impossible to keep, I want to cry out to God for His way, as I know He ALWAYS provides. Like Abraham and the order to sacrifice his son, who obeyed because he knew His God so well that he trusted him fully to provide, I want a heart that seeks the Lord’s way over my own.

Father, I thank You for Your grace, patience, and goodness. I pray that You help me set my heart to fully follow You, forsaking my own comfort and desires. Forgive me for often heading down my own path. When I am unsure of what to do in a situation, may I seek an answer from You alone. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.