Now King David was told, “The LORD has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has, because of the ark of God.” So David went down and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing.
II Samuel 6:12
The Ark of the Lord’s covenant, which symbolized the Presence of God, was captured by the Philistines. (I Samuel 4) The Philistines carried the Ark into Dagon’s temple and set it down. Dagon was the principle god of the Philistines and was worshipped throughout the ancient world. The next day, Dagon was found facedown on the ground, head and hands broken off. The Philistines decided they had angered the God of Israel by bringing the Ark into Dagon’s temple. They moved the Ark from place to place, yet the disasters continued. Then the Philistines returned the Ark to Abinadab’s house. It remained there until David brought it to Jerusalem. King David knew that the Presence of the Lord embodied by the Ark needed to be with the Israelites. He knew it was time to restore worship in God’s people.
David’s plan to restore worship was to build a temple to house the Ark.
However, God had told him that he would not be the one to build this temple. David’s son Solomon would build it. David did, however, begin the plans for building the temple by securing the funds and the materials to start the work.
We must also continuously restore worship in our lives. It is easy to get caught up with worshiping other things: family, friends, our homes, or our jobs. Throughout the Scriptures, the Lord has reminded His people to return to Him in worship when they stray. Are you willing to do that?
Heavenly Father,
Restore worship in my life so that I can know Your Presence again. I have been so caught up in doing things for You that I have forgotten to worship You. I feel empty and dry and know that only in You will I find refreshment for my thirsty soul.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
