Imagine along with me. You wake up to find someone has delivered the Ark of the Covenant (the sacred symbol of God’s very presence) to your house for safekeeping (by Amazon). That’s exactly what happened to a man named Obed-Edom. Well, not the Amazon part.
Let me back up a bit. King David and his men were transporting the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. A tragic incident occurred when Uzzah improperly handled the Ark and died (1 Chronicles 13). King David halted the Ark’s journey and left it in the home of Obed-Edom. What happened next has always amazed me:
“The LORD blessed Obed-Edom and his entire household.” — 2 Samuel 6:11 (NIV84)
What was it about this man that brought about such a blessing? Scripture tells us very little about Obed-Edom’s background. However, what we do see is his reverence, readiness, and response to the presence of God.
Rather than being fearful or dismissive, Obed-Edom welcomed the Ark. And the result was undeniable: God poured out His favor on Obed-Edom and everyone in his home. But it didn’t stop there. The book of 1 Chronicles later mentions Obed-Edom as a gatekeeper, musician, and servant in the tabernacle. He didn’t just host God’s presence for three months. On the contrary, he reoriented his life around it.
For Our Lives
Here are a few takeaways we can apply to our own lives:
• God’s presence brings blessing. It’s not always material blessings. Rather, the kind that transform homes, hearts, and legacies.
• Reverence matters. Obed-Edom treated the presence of God with honor. Subsequently, that led to life, not judgment.
• Faithfulness multiplies. People recognized Obed-Edom’s children and descendants as strong and capable servants of God. (1 Chronicles 26:8)
So, what about us? Do we welcome God’s presence into our homes? Or do we just give Him a few hours during the weekend services? Do we build our lives around His presence or (simply put), do we just try to fit Him in where and when it’s convenient?
Here’s my prayer:
“Lord, like Obed-Edom, may I welcome Your presence with awe and joy. Let Your Spirit shape my home, my habits, and my heart. May Your blessings flow not just to me but through me to others.”
From now on, let’s be people who live like Obed-Edom. Always with homes marked by the presence and blessing of God.
Enjoying God’s presence,
Bill
Posted in A Word from the Pastor