How to Bring Tthe Ark of God's Presence Back

As children of God, we talk a lot about God’s presence. We want to know more of what brings God’s presence into our life and how we long to experience God’s presence in our midst.

As I was studying the scriptures in the book of 2nd Samuel Ch. 6, the Lord, by the Holy Spirit suddenly showed me a certain pattern of God’s order of bringing the presence of God back into our midst. David decided to bring the Ark of God from the house of Abinadab into the city of David (Jerusalem). V2: “…to bring up the Ark of God which is called by the name of the Lord, Almighty who is enthroned between the cherubim that are on the Ark. The Lord Almighty – the Lord of hosts.”

This is understood as a general reference to the sovereignty of God over all powers in the universe. In the account of establishment Kingship in Israel, it is referred as the God of all armies, both of the heavenly armies and the armies of Israel. King David recognized the great significance of the Ark as the earthly throne of God. As a true King he wished to acknowledge the Lord’s Kingship and rule over both himself and the people by restoring the Ark to the place of prominence in the nation.

But ignorantly, he desired to bring the Ark of God his way according to what his heart desired. He did not inquire the Lord about it and as a result it broughtdestruction and disappointment. David thought that a “new cart” and making music with different instruments was good enough to bring God’s presence to Jerusalem. Are we any different from theseideas? How often do we bring new programs, new speakers, and new ideas into our congregation in order to steer some movement but all have no avail.

There is God’s order to bring His presence to His people and we must do it His way and His way only. According to 1 Chronicles 15:12-15; The Levites should have carried the Ark of the Covenant on their shoulders but instead, David followed the examples of the Philistines, rather than following the instruction of the Lord. (1 Sam. 6:7) When Uzzah reached out to hold the Ark, God struck him and he died. Uzzah’s intent may have been good, however he violated the clear instructions of the Lord of how to handle the Ark. (1 Sam. 6:19) At this important new beginning in Israel, the Lord gives a shocking and vivid reminder to David and to the people of Israel; that those who claim to serve Him must acknowledge His rule with absolute seriousness (Leviticus 10:1-2). In 1 Samuel 6:9 it says, “David was afraid of the Lord that day.” David’s anger was accompanied by fear. Not the wholesome fear of proper owner and respect for the Lord but an anxiety arising from sensing his own guilt.  David decided to leave the Ark in the house of Obed-Edom for a while. And in verse 11, “…the Lord blessed him and his entire household.” God’s presence resided in the house of Obed-Edom and everybody was blessed. There was healing, restoration, prosperity and all of the goodness of God! When God’s presence comes to you, He brings everything with it. So what is God’s order to bring His presence on our midst?

First of all because of its importance, the sacrifices of burnt offerings were offered to the Lord, the blood of bulls and calves were shed. In Leviticus 17:11 it says, “The life of a creature is in the blood.” The bloodshed in the sacrifices was sacred and had to be treated with respect. Atonement involves the substitution of a life for a life. The blood in the Old Testament points forward to the blood of the Lamb of God who obtained for His people eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). “And without the shedding of the Blood, there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22). The Blood of the Lamb opens us to a door of entrance into His presence.

Secondly, David was wearing a linen ephod (2 Samuel 6:14). A linen ephod is a priestly garment worn by those who serve before the Lord at His sanctuary. It was a close fitting sleeveless pull over usually of a hip length, specially worn by the High Priest. The breast plate piece containing the URIM THUMMIN, these were divinely ordained means of obtaining guidance from God, placed in the custody of the High Priest (Exodus 28:4-13). When we want to enter God’s presence we put on the garments of salvation. Isaiah 61:10 says, “For He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in the robe if righteousness.” God chose Israel to be, “His treasured possession… a Kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”(Exodus 19:5-6) As a nation Israel intended to be, we as God’s children call to be sanctified and set apart for Him, to seek His face daily and to serve Him as His priests (1 Peter 2:9). We clothe ourselves with God’s righteousness and holiness.

Thirdly, in 2 Samuel 6:15, It says, “David danced before the Lord with all his might.” Our exuberant praise and worship from a pure heart brings the presence of God. In John 4:23, Jesus said to the Samaritan woman, “A time is coming and has now come when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” To worship God in Spirit means to worship Him through the Holy Spirit and by the Holy Spirit. There is no other form of worship acceptable in God’s eyes. Only the Spirit which is inside of you will truly worship God, because flesh cannot and will not stand in His presence. In verse 20, when David danced before the Lord, Michal, the daughter Saul came out to meet David. She criticized him for dancing half naked in the streets in front of everyone. She despised him in her heart. The religious spirit will always criticize the true movement of the Holy Spirit. The Lord left her barren. Beware; the religious spirit will leave you barren.

To worship God in truth is to worship Jesus, for He is the Way, the Truth and Life. “We must draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:21-22). In John 4:23 the last part of this verse says, “For they are the kind of worshippers the Father seeks.”  In other words, “passionately waiting”. God is waiting passionately on you that you will seek Him. Sometimes He is hiding from you but you must persistently seek His face.And when you find Him, you’ll certainly be in His presence.

By: Mrs. Svetlana Livshits