The Ark of God

Revival…Bringing Back the Presence of God!

ByPastor Wynn

Text: 1 Chronicles 15

When David assumed the throne of Israel, the kingdom was total disarray. Saul’s leadership had been one of self-centeredness and disobedience to God. Because of his pride (1 Sam. 15:17), he had disobeyed God’s direct commands. Thus, the kingdom was to be taken from him and his house.

According to First Chronicles 13:3, the kingdom of Saul had also been a time of spiritual neglect. The Ark had not been restored to its rightful place, and the presence of God had not been among His people.

David desired to get the presence of God back among His people. He knew that the presence of God and the power of God were inseparable. Thus, he made plans to bring the ark home. Albeit, he still did not seek the face of God about the proper plan for returning the Ark. He deployed a plan that was of his own choosing. He believed that putting the Ark of God on a “new cart” would certainly be worthy of God’s blessing. Yet, he failed to realize that such ideas of worship had their roots in the philosophy of the heathen (cf. 1 Sam. 6:7-8). Such was the way the heathen honored their gods. It is in the thirteen chapter of First Chronicles that we are reminded that God has a prescribed way of worship, and any other way is not acceptable. When the world’s methods are employed, the methods will always be a way of stumbling (13:9), and the results will always be devastating (13:10).

As a result of Uzza’s death, the Ark of God was taken to the home of Obed-edom for three months (13:14). David feared to continue in the path he had chosen. He realize something was wrong, and he took three months to assess the situation and seek the will of God. Oftentimes, it is very beneficial to cease our efforts and retire to seek the mind and will of God in a matter. Yet, so many plunge ahead with recklessness, and the devastating consequences continue to accumulate. The Scriptures remind us that stillness and quietness will provide strength and knowledge (cf. Isa. 30:15; Psa. 46:10). However, we live in a culture that avoids quietness like the proverbial plague. Society has effectively communicated that success lies in keeping busy. David gave himself time to ponder his error and consider God’s mind.

At last, in chapter fifteen of First Chronicles, David has a biblical approach. Three months of meditation on God’s will had caused him to discover biblical truth. David declared that “None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them hath the LORD chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister unto him for ever” (v.2). In the thirteen verse, he states “For because ye did it not at the first, the LORD our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after due order” (emphasis added). David openly declared before his people, “We did it wrong last time!” Herein lies an essential quality of godly leadership…They are willing to admit their mistakes and failures, and do what it takes to correct them. David shouldered the responsibility and the repentance.

The remainder of chapter fifteen describes how they brought the Ark of God back. They no longer approached it with a casual and flippant attitude. David did not say, “You Levites run down to Obed-edom’s house and get the Ark and bring it back.” No…The return of the Ark became a time of respect and revival. It involved people who were committed to worshiping the Lord. The were several groups that were involved in the biblical method of returning there Ark.

First, there were the porters (v.18). The porters had the responsibility of insuring that the doors and gates were opened and closed at the appropriate times (cf. 1 Chr. 9:22-27). This insured that the progress of the Ark of God was not impeded. To many, this may have seemed a menial task with little importance. Yet, these men performed their task faithfully because “the charge was upon them” (9:27). This serves as a reminder that nothing done for God’s glory is menial or insignificant.

Second, there were the praisers (vv. 19-22). These had the responsibility of orchestrating the music for the processional. Music, throughout the Old Testament, played an important role in the worship of God. God instructed the usage of music as a tool for worship and instruction (cf. Deut. 31:19). This portion of the text even names Chenaniah as an instructor of the music (v.22). It is here that we are reminded of the importance of God-honoring music in getting the presence and power of God back to His rightful place. It is also important to observe that our music should be, not only be inspirational, but instructional as well.

Finally, there were the protectors (v.23). These men had the responsibility of protecting the Ark. They kept the door for the Ark of God. This position was similar to that of the porters, except the doorkeepers were guardians. If these men had been there in the last attempt, Uzza may not have died. No one was there to protect from false and unbiblical methods. This reminds us that the sacredness and integrity of biblical worship must be safeguarded at all times. Otherwise, it is simple for error to find its way in.

When the Ark of God was returned using God’s method, there was rejoicing (vv. 25-28). Revival was accompanied with joy and shouting. It was not rambuncious racket, but it was the shouting of praise and adoration to God.

The final verse of this chapter reminds us that revival is not always welcomed. In this verse we see Michal, David’s wife, scorning him in her heart. His public display of joy was unfitting for a king, or so she thought. She would have been content leaving the Ark at the home of Obed-edom. The dignity of the king’s office was more important to her that the reality of the Lord’s presence. She, as Saul her father, relegated spiritual matters to the lesser importance. Business life was her priority. Therefore, even while others were enjoying the fruit of revival, Michal could bear no fruit. The Lord rendered her barren (2 Sam. 6:16). How sad it is when professing believers are contact with simply being saved, and satisfied with barrenness. They do not long for the presence of God to made real to them. They do not hunger for the blessings of God. Therefore, they remain fruitless. There is hardly any evidence of spiritual life. These are the ones who most need revival, but the are also the ones who spurn it when it comes.

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