CARRIERS OF GOD'S PRESENCE
07th Aug 2013
The Ark of the Covenant symbolised the place where God dwelt and was held in high honour. During the reign of King Saul, it had been neglected and eventually captured by the Philistines. Whilst in their territory strange happenings caused terror, plagues of rats and boils. At one point it was housed in the Temple of Dagon, and the statue fell over. They perceived that all this was due to the presence of the God of Israel, and the Ark was returned to Israel to be looked after temporarily by Abinidab.
After 20 years David tried to restore it to Jerusalem, but through ignorance, used a cart rather than the shoulders of the priests, as had been instructed by Moses. The Ark slipped on the cart and was steadied by Uzzah, who subsequently died because of his inappropriate handling and lack of reverence for the Majesty it represented. So once again it was housed in a private house belonging to Obed-Edom, and during the three months it stayed there everything came under the blessing of God. (1 Chronicles 13:14) Eventually it found its resting place in Jerusalem, and worship and thanksgiving restored honour to God.
Today, you and I are “Ark Bearers”, in the sense that we are carriers of God’s holy presence and temples where He dwells by His Spirit. Be aware that wherever you go you carry Jesus. His presence today is as powerful as it was in the Ark of the Covenant, and if we understand this we will see Jesus bring all “He is” into every place we carry Him.
We carry the “Prince of Peace” into troubled family situations; His presence can still storms and silence the voice of criticism.
We carry the One who is “Anointed with Joy”. We carry the one who is “Wisdom”, who gives “Understanding”.
Be conscious of who you carry and see His presence transform atmospheres, confront evil, change things for the better. Psalm 15:11 says, “In your presence is fullness of joy, at your right hand are pleasures for evermore.”
He is not only with us, but “in us” - and this must make a difference.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
