The Ark of the Covenant represented the presence of God among His people. In it were kept the tablet of the Ten Commandments, the rod used by Aaron, and a pot containing the manna (Hebrews 9:4). We know that God is Spirit and is in the entire Universe. Our Covenant with Him, made in the Name of Jesus, is our guarantee, and the manna means the Bread that the Lord gives us daily – the revelation of the Scriptures. At that time, the Most High spoke through symbolism; now, He teaches through His Word.

        The princes stayed three days in the midst of the camp of the people (Joshua 3:2). Today, Jesus stays with us forever; we just need to surrender ourselves to Him. There is nothing to fear, nor do we need to beg for a blessing. We must believe in God, and the evils will leave our path. We are bearers of the Holy Spirit, therefore we give everyone the necessary blessing. Whoever receives Him is empowered by the power from On High (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 6:19).

         The ark would be a guide for everyone to get closer to the Lord, but it could not be used as an amulet. We do not serve God without faith – the certainty that the blessing belongs to us (Hebrews 11:6). When we see in the Bible something that was hidden from us and the vision of the Word comes to our heart, we must leave our comfort and go toward the revelation. Thus, we will be right in what the Bible declares!

         When the Philistines defeated Israel in the days of Judge Eli, they took the Ark to their country and placed it in the temple of Dagon, the god they served (1 Samuel 4 and 5). However, they had a sad surprise. The next morning, the inhabitants of Ashdod woke up early and saw the image of Dagon fallen with its face to the ground. So, they lifted it up and put it back in the same place. The next day, the statue was found with its head and hands cut off; only the torso remained (1 Samuel 5:2-4). God acts!

       The punishment increased in Ashdod when the men were afflicted with tumors. Faced with this, the princes of the Philistines gathered and decided to take the holy artifact to Gath, and the people of that city also began to experience the same problem (1 Samuel 5:9). In a meeting, the princes sent the ark to Ekron, whose men despaired at what might happen to them. Then, they asked that it be sent back to its place in Israel. For seven months, the ark remained in enemy territory and terrified them.

       Joshua knew that the power of God guarded the ark, so he said that Israel could not approach it, only follow it, keeping a distance of about 900 meters. Thus, everyone followed without deviating from the path. We cannot do the divine work in any way, but rather by respecting the presence of the Lord to carry out what is necessary. The Israelites approached the Jordan River, keeping their eyes on the Ark of God.

         Before crossing the river, everyone awaited Joshua's new directions (Joshua 3:8). They were ready to enter the fight and take possession of the Promised Land. We also have to take possession of what the Bible says is ours; otherwise, we will not fulfill our calling. It is necessary to rid ourselves of temptations and improve our ways. The Lord will help us!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares