Have you brought the ark?

Not only is the ark the place that houses the presence of God, but it is made of Gold.

What does that have to do with anything?

The bible says that “The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests the hearts.” (Prov. 17:3 NKJV). “These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” (1 Pet. 1:7 NLT).

Gold is a great conductor of heat and electricity. It is found in nature in a pure form. It is a dense element and has a highly capable capacity for adaptive change. It does not tarnish or corrode. Some even describe it’s durability to the point of indestructibility. It is universally accepted, even in exchange for goods and services. And it is definitely attractive.

Among all elements, gold was the perfect item to create the ark and to house the presence of God. And it is the perfect symbol to represent our hearts. Hearts that can be tested and even broken, but able to withstand many trials and is virtually indestructible. Hearts that can be purified and mended and transformed. Hearts that reaches out and accepts others and draws people together. Hearts that redefines lives as it yields to what is good and serves faithfully. Hearts that are beautiful. All of this is what shows “that your faith is genuine.”

This heart is where the Lord has established (set up a permanent acceptance) his covenant (sacred and binding agreement) with man. He said, “I will put My law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they will be My people.” Jer. 31:33 AMP. “21 Beloved, if our heart does not convict us [of guilt], we have confidence [complete assurance and boldness] before God; 22 and we receive from Him whatever we ask because we [carefully and consistently] keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight [habitually seeking to follow His plan for us]. 23 This is His commandment, that we believe [with personal faith and confident trust] in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and [that we unselfishly] love and seek the best for one another, just as He commanded us. 24 The one who habitually keeps His commandments [obeying His word and following His precepts, abides and] remains in Him, and He in him. By this we know and have the proof that He [really] abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us [as a gift].” 1 John 21-24 AMP

This purified heart of ours (the golden ark) that contains the presence of God, the Holy Spirit, the gift of life that is only present because the Lord has tested your heart “as fire tests and purifies gold”.

So when we gather together regularly “to invoke his blessings, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD” (1 Chron. 16:4), even when we are spending time alone in his presence; He is only present because we have brought the ark. The ark that has approved us to be recipients of his blessings, miracles, grace, favor and mercy.

Be blessed,

G.M.