Warriors Arise: January 10, 2023
2 Samuel 6:1-5 (NKJV) Again David gathered all the choice men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2 And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, whose name is called by the Name, the Lord of Hosts, who dwells between the cherubim. 3 So they set the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart. 4 And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill, accompanying the ark of God; and Ahio went before the ark. 5 Then David and all the house of Israel played music before the Lord on all kinds of instruments of fir wood, on harps, on stringed instruments, on tambourines, on sistrums, and on cymbals.
It had been decades since the Israelites had embraced the Ark of the Covenant and the presence of God. The Philistines had captured the Ark of the Covenant in battle. Eli, the priest, died that same day. Samuel becomes the next Judge of Israel. The Philistines were struck with tumors and returned the ark. They sent the ark on a cart yoked by two cows. The cows took the ark back to Israel. For decades the ark had been housed at Abinadab's house. They did not bring it back to the priests or the prophets of the land. Nor did the priests or the prophets go get it. Samuel, who had once laid in front of the Ark of the Covenant as a child, didn't bring the ark back to the people. It seemed like the Israelites had forgotten the presence of God rested upon the Ark of the Covenant. Did this happen when the people rejected God leading them and petitioned Samuel for a king? Since they had lost the Ark of the Covenant did they think that God was no longer powerful enough to protect them? When the ark was returned and the presence of God remained upon it, why didn't the whole nation rejoice at His return? Had they already forgotten God? Or was it that they didn't want to be reminded that they had abandoned God and rejected His leadership? Before they had asked Samuel for a king, they had already rejected God. The losing the presence of God in battle was a symbol of their abandonment of God. Before the battle lines were drawn, they had already abandoned God.
We have no idea when the enemy is going to set up battlelines and call us to take a stand for what God has given us. Therefore, we are to be ready at all times. We are to live in and from the presence of God everyday. God isn't a good luck charm we parade before us, when the battle begins. I have to ask myself, how important is the presence of God to me? Do I honor, revere and seek the presence of God? What does that look like in my life?
Then I have to ask, "Would I have gone? Or would I have thought it as unnecessary? Would I have made the effort to go and be a part of the entourage escorting and celebrating the return of the Ark of the covenant, the presence of God to the nation of Israel?"
We have no idea when God is going to show up at an event, conference, worship concert, church, Sunday School, or small group Bible study. Those who are putting on the event or leading the study are hoping God will be present and manifest His love toward the people. Yes, God is there, because Christians are there. However, I am talking about the manifest presence. The Scriptures tell us that His presence will overflow from his throne room in heaven to us. I am talking about having the presence of God in the room where His blessings overflow like He did in Abinadab's household. How important is it for us to seek the presence of God? How important is it for us to be a part of ushering in the presence of God? There is an overflow of God's presence from heaven for us here on earth. Why do we not live in the fullness of God's overflow? Are we more like Samuel and Saul? We know of the presence and have experienced the presence but we no longer pursue and position the presence of God in the midst of others?
David pursued to have the Ark of the Covenant, the place where God dwelled, to be in Jerusalem for all the people of Israel to receive from the presence of God, not just one man's household. He desired for the nation of Israel to pursue, welcome, and receive God in their midst.
Father, do I? Do I pursue Your presence? Am I ready to welcome Your presence? Do I truly want You in my day? These are questions I come to You for answers. I lay myself before You and desire the truth. I want the overflow of Your presence in my life so those around me prosper and see Your goodness. I seek You for wisdom on how to steward the overflow of Your presence. I pray I would be bold to share Jesus with people. I pray I would be courageous to pray for the hurting, sick and the bound. I pray I would not hide Your presence but life so others would know You in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
Join together as Believers in Jesus Christ to pray and to push back the enemy as we release God’s power here on earth. If you have any questions please feel free to make a comment or private message me. If you would like this to come to your email directly please go to verideehand.com and subscribe.
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