Why we should explore less familiar concepts in the Bible

My husband, Martyn is writing a book about search engine marketing. Most of the terminology is less than fifteen years old but much of it still needs careful explanation for those of us who are not technically savvy. It is not surprising that twenty first century Bible readers come across words and concepts that are difficult to understand because they are concepts that applied to specific religious practices hundreds of years ago. One of those phrases that used to confuse me is the “ark of the covenant”. As I am studying the book of Joshua (see blogs: Joshua Man of Faith and Rahab: from prostitute to woman of faith) I thought that it might be helpful for me and for others to consider what this ark was and how it can help us better understand God . When I Googled “ark of the covenant” I was confronted with the lost ark, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” etc. What was once a hugely important part of the Israelites’ worship has become a story. It is important that we understand that Biblical truth is much more significant than fiction. Please join me in discovering a little about this “ark” so that our faith in God can more easily develop into a deep reality.

God’s dwelling place

The ark of the covenant was a beautifully crafted chest made of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold inside and out. Its contents included the stone tablets on which the ten commandments were written. It was built at the time of Moses and God gave specific instructions about its appearance and contents, as it was of great significance. Above the ark was the atonement cover which was the lid for the ark. On top were two angels facing one another and this was God’s dwelling place. This was a holy place and it was a symbol of God’s presence and power wherever God’s people, the Israelites went. At the time of Joshua the ark of the covenant was usually housed in the tabernacle which was like a portable temple, but when the Israelites were on the move it was carried separately on poles. When inside the tabernacle, the ark was in the most holy place where only the high priest could enter to sprinkle blood on the atonement cover of the ark of the covenant once a year.

The ark of the covenant represented God’s presence and power

The ark was not something to be treated lightly. It was transportable but had to be carried with great care, surrounded by animal skins and covered in blue cloth, and attached to poles. A number of miracles were witnessed in the Old Testament surrounding the ark. If it was treated with irreverence there were negative consequences.

Isaiah 37: 16 reminds us of the importance of God’s presence above the atonement cover or mercy seat: “O Lord Almighty, God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth.” It was with this knowledge that the Israelites, led by Joshua, knew that with God’s presence they could trust that He would part the River Jordan so that thousands of people could cross the mighty river in safety.

God’s people followed the ark.

God’s people had been trained to follow and obey God. The years in the wilderness taught them the stupidity of disobeying Him. I certainly like visual aids to help me understand a concept. The beautiful ark of the covenant was a visible, tangible reminder that God was with them. In the book of Joshua the people followed the ark at a distance towards the river and then they paraded past it when the river parted. It was abundantly clear that the great miracle was thanks to God being with them. Although the ark of the covenant was surrounded by cloth, they trusted that God was very close to them and His powerful acts confirmed that.

As Christians we have so much more to fix our eyes on. We have the completed Bible: much more than the law that the Israelites had received. We know that Christ has died and risen and we can have a relationship with Him, leading into eternity. However, do we sometimes refuse to believe because we can’t see Jesus? Do we tend to rely on our own abilities because we live comfortable lives and we are not inclined to pray much? Reading these first few chapters in Joshua should help us understand to what extent the Israelites needed God, and how without Him they could never have entered the promised land successfully or victoriously. We tend to moan when life is tough but God allowed His people to experience great challenges precisely so they would follow Him.

Believe without seeing.

The picture of the ark of the Covenant and the wonderful consequences of following God in the Old Testament, when the Israelites obeyed, should spur us on to greater faith, for faith cannot be dependent on what we see. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). Let’s move beyond the ark of the covenant that signified God’s presence and see that Jesus is our risen Lord, God Himself who is still amongst us: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

The ark of the covenant inspired the Israelites to believe. We are expected to believe without seeing but surely the words of the Bible should persuade us to open our spiritual eyes, relying on God’s Holy Spirit. Please join me as I fix my eyes on Jesus, trusting Him with all the stuff that gets in the way and asking Him to forgive me for the selfish words and actions that threaten to entangle me. I encourage you to trust Him to one day lead you to Heaven: a perfect land promised to those who, despite the trials, are focusing on Jesus in faith.

Related posts:

1. Joshua: A Man Of Faith Encourages Us To Be Women Of Faith I was reading the first few chapters in the book of Joshua this morning and...
2. God’s People arrive in the Promised Land Crossing the River Jordan was an incredibly significant day. Finally God’s people were arriving in...
3. Rahab: From Prostitute To Woman Of God Faith should dictate our lives rather than fear Recently in my blog “Joshua : a...

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