Must It Be Death?
A Devotion
The Goodsoil Discipleship Ministry
By Bro. Andy Madonio
May 27. 2000
"Everyone who comes near, who comes near to the tabernacle
of the Lord, must die. Are we to perish completely?"
Numbers 17:13
There is a reality in this passage that at first, to fleshy eyes and natural vision, seems sad and tragic. To one who persists in this unspiritual mode, an argument soon forms on their lips that proclaims, "Well, I can visit the holiest of shrines or tramp right up to the most venerated altar and walk away and live -- this 'death' talk is nonsense." But wisdom (and truth) will be revealed, as Jesus said, "by her children." That one who spoke of the nonsense of these words is, in reality, dead already.
A child of God, a lover of Jesus, a true disciple, realizes that a personal death must come in order to draw near to the dwelling place of God. It is only in dying -- and trusting Him in our death to resurrect us -- that we may find true eternal life. "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me."
Yes, if you truly come near; not to any man-made edifice or finely polished marble, but near to God's heart, you will find He only accepts that which is sacrificed -- dead things. If you refuse His offer of life, there is no trust; but if you truly love Him and trust Him, your life, freely given, is holy and precious to Him.
