Who can stand?

The Philistines won. They beat Israel, and they captured the God of Israel.

But then they discovered that winning can sometimes mean losing. They brought the Ark home, and then discovered what Emmanuel truly meant.

They had heard the stories about God's greatness over the Egyptians. Now, they discovered it for themselves, and He was too much for them.

So, they sent Him away.

The Ark returned to Beth Shemesh and the people rejoiced. But they also did not truly know the greatness of their God. So they looked into the Ark, and 70 men died.

So they sent God away,
for who can stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God?

But then we have the people of Kiriath Jearim. They came and brought this holy God into their town, and he dwelt there 20 years, and God blessed them.

They brought him close.

What do we do when confronted with the holy?

do we submit and honor him,
or do we send him off to a distant place so we can continue our less-than-holy lives?

do we change our ways and hearts,
or do we hold him at a distance?

Just how do I stand in the presence of the LORD, this holy God?