0223. The Ark Brought Home

The Ark Brought Home

"So they brought the Ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it" (1Ch_16:1).

1. It was not long until David had heard how God blessed the house of Obed-edom. He soon learned that it was not a thing to be dreaded, after all, to have God in the midst. And so he determined to fetch the Ark back to Israel and to the city of David.

2. David before he sent for the Ark, this second time, went to the Book and studied the instructions God had plainly written down. He did not consult with the captains of thousands and of hundreds and with every leader; he did not consult with the congregation–he consulted with God.

"Then David said, 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 forever."

3. Then David gathered all Israel together to bring up the Ark. They brought it forth with great joy and with shoutings; with the sound of the cornet, and psaltery and harp and trumpet and cymbal.

Chenaniah was the song leader, and there was great rejoicing.

4. "And the children of the Levites, bare the Ark of God on their shoulders with the staves thereon, as Moses commanded, according to the Word of the Lord."

David had come to fully understand why the breach had been made upon Uzza. He said: "Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites; sanctify yourselves both ye, and your brethren, that ye may bring up the Ark of the Lord God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it. 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 the due order."

Surely it pays to obey.

"Thou sweet beloved will of God,

My anchor ground, my fortress hill,

My spirit’s silent, fair abode,

In Thee I hide me, and am still.

"O will, that wiliest good alone,

Lead Thou the way, Thou guidest best:

A little child, I follow on,

And trusting, lean upon Thy breast.

"Thy beautiful sweet will, my God,

Holds fast in its sublime embrace

My captive will, a gladsome bird,

Prisoned in such a realm of grace.

"Within this place of certain good

Love evermore expands her wings,

Or nestling in Thy perfect choice,

Abides content with what it brings.

"Oh, lightest burden, sweetest yoke!

It lifts, it bears my happy soul,

It gives wings to this poor heart;

My freedom is Thy grand control.

"Upon God’s will I lay me down,

As child upon its mother’s breast;

No silken couch, nor softest bed,

Could ever give me such deep rest.

"Thy wonderful grand will, my God,

With triumph now I make it mine;

And faith shall cry a joyous, Yes!

To every dear command of Thine."

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR