The Ark of the Lord remained there in Obed-Edom’s house for three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-Edom and his entire household. Then King David was told, “The Lord has blessed Obed-Edom’s household and everything he has because of the Ark of God.” 2 Samuel 6:11-12a NLT
Tucked in the Old Testament is a man called Obed-Edom who was a Levite and called upon by King David to house the Ark of the Covenant before he brought it back to Jerusalem. What David was asking was quite an honor, but that also came with great responsibility. The Ark had been captured as a spoils of war by the Philistines, but was returned to Israel on a cart after it brought hardships to them. It was then kept in Kiriath-Jearim for about 20 years until King David wanted to bring it back to Jerusalem. On the way, because it was transported on a cart instead of carried on poles it caused the death of Uzzah when he tried to steady it.
David then decided to have it kept in the house of Obed-Edom of the Levitical order of Priests. But instead of bringing calamity and death, it brought blessings and prosperity. Obed-Edom cherished the Ark and followed all the instructions for its care while it remained in his house. He did this because he knew it represented the very presence of God Himself. He not only wanted to follow the instructions, but to honor the Creator of it and Who He is. When he looked at the Ark, he didn’t just see a golden box, he saw the very representation of God Himself in all His glory.
Today, we don’t need the physical Ark, for those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord have the very presence of God living in us through Holy Spirit. Jesus is the Ark for us and just as the ark blessed Obed-Edom and his household, so Jesus blesses us as we honor Him. When we see Him as our all in all, the Son of the Living God who blesses us. When we believe and trust in Him alone and all He has accomplished for us in His death and resurrection it blesses His heart and the blessings overflow back to us, so we can be blessings to others. Oh what an amazing God we serve.
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