Friday, 20th October 2023

Andrews Ampomah

TOPIC: THE PRESENCE OF GOD 

THEME SCRIPTURE: “And the ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and all his household.” 2 Samuel 6:11

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. What must you do to grow God’s presence in your life?

During their 40-year journey from Egypt to Canaan, Israel sank to a deplorable low at Sinai, bowing to foreign deities and offering burnt sacrifices and peace offerings to a golden calf they fashioned.  (Exodus 32:1-6). In response to this transgression, God decreed that an angel would accompany them on their journey while withdrawing His divine presence from their midst. Moses, in pleading to overturn this verdict, underscores the importance of God’s presence with His people: “For how shall it be known that I have found favour in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth? (Exodus 33:16).”

The context preceding our focal verse recounts David's initial unsuccessful attempt to relocate the Ark of God to the city of David

The context preceding our focal verse recounts David's initial unsuccessful attempt to relocate the Ark of God to the city of David. Due to their failure to adhere to the right protocol in handling the Ark of God’s presence, Uzzah was struck down in his attempt to prevent the Ark from falling.

Obed-edom, originally a Philistine from Gath, like Ruth, defied his background by embracing Israel as his people and their God, his God.

Consequently, the Ark found its way to the home of Obed-edom the Gittite (2 Samuel 6:10). The profound impact of the Ark's presence in Obed-edom's house was inevitable: "And the ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite for three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and his entire household" (2 Samuel 6:11). Obed-edom, originally a Philistine from Gath, like Ruth, defied his background by embracing Israel as his people and their God as his God. While David hesitated, Obed-edom eagerly welcomed the Ark of God’s presence into his home. His exceptional care of the Ark likely led to his recognition among the Levites in 1 Chronicles 26. In just 3 months, God's blessings upon Obed-edom and his household showcased the transformative power of the Ark, underscoring how God’s presence elevated his status.

Dearly beloved, the presence of God in the life of the Christian cannot be over-emphasized

Dearly beloved, the presence of God in the life of a Christian cannot be overemphasised. It is God’s presence that makes us distinct from all others and also makes the Christian journey easier and bearable. It behoves you to ensure you court God’s presence daily in your home, at your workplace, and in the community where you find yourself. We grow God’s presence by ensuring consistency in the practice of the Christian disciplines of personal and group Bible study, prayer, and participating in fellowship with other Christians while making a conscious effort to be obedient to God’s word. Notably, those who persistently cultivate God's presence across all facets of their lives often find themselves blessed abundantly. Hallelujah!

 

FURTHER READING – 2 Samuel 6

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. How have you been deliberate in ensuring God is central to your life, home, and everything you find yourself doing?

 

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, help me by Your Holy Spirit to be consistent with the practice of the Christian disciplines in ensuring that Your presence grows stronger and is central to everything I do and wherever I find myself in Christ Jesus, Amen.

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

2 Chronicles 12; 2 Chronicles 13; Ezekiel 46; John 13; John 14