CARRYING THE PRESENCE OF GOD LIKE THE ARK
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 2 Samuel 6:11-14
Supporting Texts: Exodus 25:22, Numbers 4:5-15, Psalm 16:11, 1 Corinthians 6:19, Hebrews 10:19-22
INTRODUCTION:
The Ark of the Covenant was the physical representation of God's presence among His people. It symbolised His glory, guidance, and power. In the Old Testament, where the Ark was revered and honoured, blessings followed. Where it was neglected or mishandled, disaster struck.
Obed-Edom’s house became a symbol of what happens when the presence of God is properly received and honoured. In just three months, everything in his household changed because of the presence of God.
Today, we are called to carry the presence of God—not in a golden box, but in our hearts and lives. As believers, we are the living temples of God, and we must understand how to carry and host His presence with reverence, responsibility, and joy.
1. THE ARK REPRESENTS GOD'S GLORIOUS PRESENCE
Carrying the presence of God means living with a constant awareness of His nearness and holiness.
a) The Ark was the dwelling place of God's glory (Exodus 25:22):
God’s presence rested between the cherubim above the Ark, showing how He desires to dwell with His people.
b) The Ark could not be handled carelessly (Numbers 4:15):
Irreverence brought judgment. Carrying God's presence requires holy living and spiritual sensitivity.
c) Where the Ark stayed in honour, blessings flowed (2 Samuel 6:11):
Obed-Edom’s life was transformed simply because he welcomed and respected the Ark.
d) Today, we are God’s temples (1 Corinthians 6:19):
The responsibility of carrying His presence rests on every believer—our lives must reflect that sacred duty.
Biblical Example: The house of Obed-Edom prospered abundantly in every area for as long as the Ark stayed with him.
2. CARRYING GOD’S PRESENCE BRINGS BLESSINGS AND TRANSFORMATION
The presence of God is never neutral—it either transforms or terrifies, depending on how it is handled.
a) God’s presence brings joy and peace (Psalm 16:11):
Wherever the presence of God is, there is fullness of joy and divine pleasure.
b) The presence of God causes supernatural breakthroughs (Joshua 6:4-20):
Jericho fell when the Ark went before the people. The presence of God opens closed doors.
c) The presence of God brings divine favour (Genesis 39:2):
Like Joseph, those who carry God's presence enjoy favour, even in hostile environments.
d) The presence of God convicts and purifies (Isaiah 6:5-7):
No one can carry God's presence and remain carnal or compromised. It cleanses and empowers.
Biblical Example: Joseph prospered in Potiphar’s house and prison because God’s presence was with him.
3. THE PRESENCE OF GOD MUST BE CARRIED WITH REVERENCE
God’s presence is not to be taken lightly or treated as ordinary.
a) Uzzah was struck for irreverence (2 Samuel 6:6-7):
Touching the Ark without spiritual authority led to death. Familiarity with holy things can be dangerous.
b) God desires reverent worship and honour (Hebrews 12:28-29):
We must approach Him with holy fear and godly reverence.
c) Hosting God's presence demands a pure heart (Psalm 24:3-4):
Only those with clean hands and a pure heart can ascend into His presence.
d) Disobedience repels the presence of God (Isaiah 59:2):
Sin separates man from the presence of God. We must walk in obedience to remain carriers.
Biblical Example: Uzzah’s death reminds us that proximity without purity can be fatal.
4. THE PRESENCE OF GOD INVITES WORSHIP AND CELEBRATION
When God is present, joyful expressions of worship are the natural result.
a) David danced before the Ark with all his might (2 Samuel 6:14):
True worship comes from a heart that values God’s presence more than public opinion.
b) God’s presence deserves passionate worship (John 4:23-24):
Worship in spirit and truth flows naturally when God is present.
c) Hosting God's presence produces spontaneous joy (Psalm 100:2):
Joyful service is a fruit of hosting God. When He is near, we rejoice.
d) You cannot be passive in God’s presence (Psalm 95:1-6):
The presence of God calls for bowed knees, lifted hands, and surrendered hearts.
Biblical Example: David’s joyful worship, though mocked by Michal, pleased God and brought blessings.
5. WE MUST BECOME MODERN-DAY ARKS—CARRIERS OF HIS GLORY
God is looking for vessels who will carry His presence into every area of life.
a) You are a living Ark in your generation (2 Corinthians 4:7):
God has entrusted His treasure in earthen vessels—He wants to shine through you.
b) Carrying His presence impacts your environment (Acts 5:15-16):
Peter’s shadow healed the sick—he carried the presence so tangibly it overflowed.
c) You become an agent of change (Romans 8:19):
Creation is waiting for carriers of God's glory to manifest and shift situations.
d) God uses yielded vessels to reveal His power (2 Chronicles 16:9):
He seeks those whose hearts are fully His to carry and release His presence.
Biblical Example: The early apostles turned cities upside down because they carried the presence of God.
CONCLUSION:
To carry the presence of God like the Ark means to live a life set apart for God’s glory. The Ark was not just a box—it represented the manifest presence, power, and voice of God. Today, as New Covenant believers, we are the temples of the Holy Spirit. We are called to walk, speak, and live in a way that reflects the reality of His indwelling presence.
When God’s presence rests on a man, everything changes—like Obed-Edom, favour flows, blessings abound, and joy overflows. May your life, family, ministry, and environment become saturated with the weight of God’s presence. Seek Him. Honour Him. Carry Him. And watch your life transform.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, make me a holy vessel fit to carry Your presence.
2. Father, help me to honour and revere Your presence in every area of my life.
3. Lord, break every habit or sin that repels your presence.
4. Lord, let Your presence overflow in my home like in the house of Obed-Edom.
5. Let the fire of passionate worship burn in my heart continually.
6. Fill me afresh with Your glory, O Lord.
7. Let everywhere I go carry the fragrance of Your presence.
8. Help me to carry Your presence to my workplace, family, and community.
9. O Lord, make me a carrier of revival in my generation.
10. Let Your presence go before me and give me rest.
