Greetings, church. This morning, my prayer is that we catch a fresh revelation of who the Lord is and how His presence can truly change us. We began with the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price in Matthew 13:44–45, reminding us that the Kingdom of Heaven is worth giving up everything we own. This is the heart behind our meditation today: finding that one thing that is more valuable than any earthly pursuit.
The Journey of the Presence
For many years, the Ark of the Covenant—which symbolized the very presence of God—was missing from Israel. It eventually sat in the house of Abinadab, while the official tabernacle stood empty and devoid of glory. When King David finally attempted to bring the Ark to Jerusalem, he did not inquire of God's proper order and tried to move it on a cart. After the tragic death of Uzzah, a fearful David left the Ark at the house of a man named Obed-Edom the Gittite.
Key Points
The Symbolism of the Ark (1 Chronicles 13:6): The Ark pointed to Jesus Christ; its acacia wood and gold spoke of His humanity and divinity, while the manna, Aaron's rod, and the commandments inside showed Him as the fulfillment of all things.
God’s Presence Brings Total Blessing (1 Chronicles 13:14): When Obed-Edom opened his house to the Ark, the Lord blessed his household and everything he owned in just three months.
A Hunger for the Presence Over Possessions (1 Chronicles 15:17–18): After tasting God’s glory, Obed-Edom was no longer satisfied with his old life; he left his house, farms, and local influence to follow the Ark to Jerusalem.
The Humility of a Gatekeeper (1 Chronicles 15:18): He was willing to start at the bottom, choosing to be a gatekeeper just to stay near the source of blessing.
The Danger of a Casual Attitude (1 Chronicles 15:13): We learn from David’s failure that we cannot be casual about God; we must consult Him about the "proper order" of handling His presence.
Deepening the Desire to Minister (1 Chronicles 15:21): Obed-Edom was not satisfied staying at the gate; he learned to play musical instruments to get closer to the Ark and celebrate the Lord.
A Personal Pursuit Beyond Lineage (1 Chronicles 15:18): Though he was a "Gittite"—likely of Philistine origin—his heart was perfect before the Lord, proving God’s presence is for anyone who desires it.
A Permanent Legacy of Devotion (1 Chronicles 16:38): His commitment was so contagious that he brought 68 of his relatives into the ministry to serve alongside him.
The Presence vs. The Past (1 Chronicles 16:39–40): We must not be content "sacrificing in Gibeon" where the Ark is absent; we need a new, manifest revelation of God in our lives today.
A Permanent Inheritance (1 Chronicles 26:4–5, 15): Because he valued the presence of God, Obed-Edom received a permanent place in the history of Israel and a lasting inheritance for his sons.
The Stamp of Devotion (2 Chronicles 25:24): Even 220 years later, the house of God was still associated with his name, showing that a life lived for God's glory leaves a permanent mark.
Closing Thoughts
I urge you this year: do not be satisfied with religious traditions where the presence of God is missing. Like Obed-Edom, let us seek the Lord's closeness above all earthly comforts, entertainment, or leisure. One thing have we desired of the Lord, and that will we seek after: to behold His beauty and inquire in His temple. If you truly seek Him, you will find a treasure more valuable and permanent than anything this world can offer.