HOSTING THE PRESENCE OF GOD
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 2 Samuel 6:1-23
Supporting Texts: Psalm 24:7-10, 1 Chronicles 15:13, Exodus 25:21-22, John 4:23-24, 2 Corinthians 6:16
INTRODUCTION:
One of the marks of a godly leader is the desire to restore and prioritise the presence of God. In 2 Samuel 6, we see David making a decisive move to bring back the ark of God to Jerusalem—a symbol of God's presence and glory. His passion reveals the kind of heart God honours: one that longs to dwell with Him, to worship Him, and to exalt His name above all.
However, the journey of bringing back the ark was not without error and tragedy. The death of Uzzah shows us that God’s presence must be honoured with reverence, not handled casually. Later, when David corrected the approach and the ark was moved with order and praise, the glory of God returned in full measure, blessing the house of Obed-Edom and the entire city.
This chapter teaches us that hosting the presence of God requires preparation, purity, understanding, and genuine worship. The presence of God is not merely emotional—it is holy, powerful, and must be approached with spiritual alignment.
1. DESIRING GOD’S PRESENCE IS THE SIGN OF A TRUE LEADER
David’s first major act as king was to bring back the ark.
a) David gathered 30,000 chosen men to recover the ark (2 Samuel 6:1-2)
He understood that Israel's success was tied to God's presence.
b) Kingdom leaders pursue intimacy with God, not just power or strategy
True authority flows from the presence of God.
c) The ark had been neglected during Saul’s reign, but David restored spiritual priorities
A revival begins when the leaders value God’s presence above all else.
d) Until the presence of God is at the centre, the nation remains spiritually unstable
Leadership that hosts God brings peace to the land.
Biblical Example: Moses said, “If Your presence does not go with us, do not send us” (Exodus 33:15).
2. GOD’S PRESENCE MUST BE HANDLED ACCORDING TO HIS ORDER
Good intentions are not a substitute for divine instruction.
a) David initially transported the ark on a new cart, imitating Philistine methods (2 Samuel 6:3-5)
This error led to Uzzah’s death when he touched the ark.
b) God’s work must be done in God’s way
Innovation must not replace instruction.
c) Casualness around holy things invites judgement
Uzzah’s familiarity with the ark cost him his life.
d) Reverence and obedience are the foundation for hosting God’s glory
We must treat His presence with awe, not assumption.
Biblical Example: Nadab and Abihu offered strange fire and were consumed by God (Leviticus 10:1-2).
3. OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S INSTRUCTIONS BRINGS BLESSINGS
After the initial failure, David corrected the process.
a) The ark was later brought with Levites carrying it properly (1 Chronicles 15:13-15)
David learned that divine protocol cannot be bypassed.
b) When the ark stayed in Obed-Edom’s house, God blessed him abundantly (2 Samuel 6:10-11)
Wherever God is honoured, His blessings rest.
c) God’s presence releases favour, increase, and protection
No effort to honour Him goes unrewarded.
d) When obedience replaces assumption, glory replaces grief
The difference between Uzzah’s death and Obed-Edom’s blessing was divine order.
Biblical Example: Peter obeyed Jesus to cast the net again and caught a multitude of fish (Luke 5:4-6).
4. TRUE WORSHIP INVITES THE MANIFESTATION OF GOD
David danced with all his might before the ark.
a) David removed his royal robe and humbled himself in worship (2 Samuel 6:14-15)
His kingship did not hinder his intimacy with God.
b) Worship must be both spiritual and sacrificial
David’s worship cost him pride and dignity.
c) God responds to authentic worship from a broken and surrendered heart
David’s celebration triggered national revival.
d) Where God is truly worshipped, heaven responds with glory
Worship is not entertainment; it is divine communion.
Biblical Example: Paul and Silas worshipped in prison, and God shook the foundations (Acts 16:25-26).
5. DESPISING THE PRESENCE OF GOD HAS CONSEQUENCES
Michal mocked David’s passionate worship and paid the price.
a) She saw David dancing and despised him in her heart (2 Samuel 6:16, 20)
Flesh does not understand spiritual passion.
b) Michal’s contempt led to her barrenness (2 Samuel 6:23)
Despising what God honours brings dryness and loss.
c) There is danger in being religious but lacking reverence for God
Michal was Saul’s daughter—she inherited his dishonour for the ark.
d) How we respond to God’s presence determines what we carry or lack
Worship attracts glory; dishonour attracts judgement.
Biblical Example: Eli's sons dishonoured God's presence and died under judgement (1 Samuel 2:12-17; 4:10-11).
CONCLUSION:
The story of the ark’s return to Jerusalem is a powerful reminder that God’s presence is central to victory, blessing, and divine establishment. It is not enough to desire His glory; we must approach it with reverence, order, obedience, and worship. David’s experience teaches us that mistakes can be corrected, and God's presence can be restored if we return to the divine pattern.
Let us be a people and leaders who prioritise God's presence, not just His blessings. When we honour Him rightly, He will dwell in our midst and distinguish us with His glory.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me a deep hunger and passion for Your presence above all else.
2. Father, teach me to handle holy things with reverence and obedience to Your order.
3. Let Your presence dwell in my life, my home, and my ministry like never before.
4. I refuse to be casual with sacred things—purge me from every form of spiritual irreverence.
5. Lord, raise me as a true worshipper whose life attracts Your glory continually.
