A Special Presence

I Chronicles 13:1–8

“David conferred with each of his officers, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. He then said to the whole assembly of Israel, “If it seems good to you and if it is the will of the LORD our God, let us send word far and wide to the rest of our people throughout the territories of Israel, and also to the priests and Levites who are with them in their towns and pasturelands, to come and join us. Let us bring the ark of our God back to us, for we did not inquire of it during the reign of Saul.” The whole assembly agreed to do this, because it seemed right to all the people. So David assembled all Israel, from the Shihor River in Egypt to Lebo Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim. David and all Israel went to Baalah of Judah (Kiriath Jearim) to bring up from there the ark of God the LORD, who is enthroned between the cherubim—the ark that is called by the Name. They moved the ark of God from Abinadab’s house on a new cart, with Uzzah and Ahio guiding it. David and all the Israelites were celebrating with all their might before God, with songs and with harps, lyres, timbrels, cymbals and trumpets.”

The ark of God symbolised His presence among His people Israel, it is also the point in earthly space and time that the infinite God of the universe met with the people. The Living Life writer notes that “David realizes that Israel’s future is not guaranteed by military and political might but by a wholehearted return to seeking and honoring God”, yes, it was never by might nor by power but by God’s Spirit (Zech 4:6) and it is God’s grace and favour, His affection that sustains: “For you are a people holy unto the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be as a people for His prized possession, above all peoples on the face of the earth. The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples (Deut 7:6–7).” This love is understood to be found in the special nearness of our omnipresent holy Father and unto us today this is granted through the saving work and God’s amazing love in our Lord Jesus Christ, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit we received. Living Life continues to say that “we no longer need an ark today because His spirit now dwells within us. As God’s people, however, we are still called to seek God and worship Him with our whole heart.” The psalmist prays eager to see God, to encounter Him always, we likewise ought to seek God’s face: “Hear, O LORD, my voice when I call; be merciful and answer me. My heart said, “Seek His face.” Your face, O LORD, I will seek. Hide not Your face from me, nor turn away Your servant in anger. You have been my helper; do not leave me or forsake me, O God of my salvation (Psa 29:7–9).”