Today we are reading 1 Samuel 6. In this chapter we read about the Ark of the Covenant being returned to Israel. “The men did so, and took two milk cows and yoked them to the cart and shut up their calves at home. And they put the ark of the Lord on the cart and the box with the golden mice and the images of their tumors. And the cows went straight in the direction of Beth-shemesh along one highway, lowing as they went. They turned neither to the right nor to the left, and the Lords of the Philistines went after them as far as the border of Beth-shemesh. Now the people of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley. And when they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark, they rejoiced to see it. The cart came into the field of Joshua of Beth-shemesh and stopped there. A great stone was there. And they split up the wood of the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the Lord.”
1 Samuel 6:10-14 ESV The Ark was stolen when the Philistines defeated the Israelites. Everywhere the Ark was taken God afflicted the people. Finally, the Philistines had enough and came up with a plan to return the Ark. The people of Israel rejoiced when they saw the Ark! It wasn’t just a symbol but God was truly present with the Ark and acted powerfully and benevolently for His people. How is God present in your life? Do you see His power and benevolence? May God demonstrate His presence in your life today! Pastor Tim
