2 Samuel 6:12
“Now it was told King David, saying, ‘The LORD has blessed the house of Obed-Edom and all that belongs to him, because of the ark of God.’ So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with gladness.”
During the days of the Old Testament, the ark of the covenant represented the presence of God. It was the place of both sacrifice and atonement where His presence could be experienced. But Israel often made the mistake of trusting in the ark’s physical existence rather than the spiritual manifestation of the glory of God above it.
Like Israel of old, the danger for us is to think that rituals and practices or religious icons can somehow draw us closer to the heart of God. Even though David saw Obed-Edom’s blessings, and ordered the ark be brought back to Jerusalem, he understood that a wooden box – even one overlaid with gold – could not communicate, guide or protect its possessor. It is by dwelling with God that we experience the blessings of God. Obed-Edom was blessed, not by having the ark parked at his house, but rather by the God who met him there.
In many ways, Jesus is our ark today. As both sacrifice and atonement, He became our mediator and the way – the only way – that mankind can enjoy God’s presence. Yes, God is always present everywhere, but with His people, He desires the closeness of relationship.
Do you see God’s presence in other’s lives and long for the same? The solution is simple. “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8). It’s His promise.
– Pastor Jack
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