God Made Us Arks

Hebrews 9:1–10 NKJV

1 Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. 2 For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary; 3 and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, 4 which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; 5 and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail. 6 Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services. 7 But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people’s sins committed in ignorance; 8 the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing. 9 It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience— 10 concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.

All of creation is God’s. Why did He commission an ark to be built for His presence to dwell?

What was the world like before the ark?

What happened in the temple when Jesus died on the cross?

Because of the curse, God’s presence can only dwell in a holy consecrated vessel!

Consecrated — to be rendered holy or be set apart by means of religious rites.

The antidote to God’s presence:

So why the poles? Why couldn’t they just pick up the ark?

What happened to Uzzah? How did the high priest approach the ark?

What is an “ark”? It’s just a box!

Ephesians 4:17–24 NKJV

17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

God had to answer the problem of the flesh, and give us a holy, consecrated “box” for His presence to dwell!

Our goal from the time we wake up, until we go to sleep, is shedding the things of the flesh! The words of the flesh, the attitudes of the flesh, the thoughts of the flesh. All of them rob us of the presence of God!

Each covenant had an ark, and a sign. Noah’s Ark & the rainbox. The ark of the covenant, and circumcision. Our Spirits, and tongues.