Today we are reading 2 Chronicles 5. In this chapter we read about Solomon bringing the Ark of the Covenant to the brand new Temple. “Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers’ houses of the people of Israel, in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion. And all the men of Israel assembled before the king at the feast that is in the seventh month. And all the elders of Israel came, and the Levites took up the ark. And they brought up the ark, the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the tent; the Levitical priests brought them up. And King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who had assembled before him, were before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered.” 2 Chronicles 5:2-6 ESV An elaborate and beautiful celebration was arranged for the arrival of the Ark at the Temple. Can you imagine such an event? We have various celebrations with parades but all of them are focused on human glory and achievement—which quickly fades away. Imagine the tangible presence of the Creator of all that exists!! The Ark was carefully transported by a tribe of priests to its resting place in the Holy of Holies. The glory of the Lord filled the Temple—it could be seen and smelled. I wonder what it smelled like? May God’s tangible presence be manifested in your life for all around to see. Pastor Tim
