Years ago, I attended a women’s retreat where the hosts set up a mock Tabernacle like the first one constructed in the wilderness by the Israelites.
As participants, we had the opportunity to walk through the outer courtyard, where a table and basin with water represented the altar and laver where priests washed. Then we could pass through to the Holy Place, where in ancient times only priests could enter. And lastly, we could enter the Most Holy Place, which contained the Ark of the Covenant.
Decades later, I can still remember the feeling of awe I experienced being in the same place as the Ark of the Covenant.
In the Old Testament, God’s presence had a very specific place. The Ark of the Covenant sat behind a curtain, carefully guarded. The people knew where it was and that it represented God dwelling among them.
And then, one day, it was gone.
In my research, I learned that Scripture doesn’t record a dramatic moment of loss or theft. It just becomes quiet.
But I wondered how could something so holy simply disappear?
Through the prophet Jeremiah, I discovered that God was doing something new:
“ In those days, when your numbers have increased greatly in the land,” declares the Lord, “people will no longer say, ‘The ark of the covenant of the Lord.’ It will never enter their minds or be remembered; it will not be missed, nor will another one be made.”
(Jeremiah 3:16 NIV)
The Ark had been a symbol and a reminder that God was near. But symbols aren’t meant to replace reality. In time, God would no longer dwell behind a veil or rest above a mercy seat. He would walk among His people.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
(John 1:14 NIV)
And now, through Christ, God’s presence is not hidden away at all.
“Do you not know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”
(1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV)
Sometimes we look for God the way we might look for a lost object ; certain He must be somewhere else. But the truth is more reassuring.
God’s not hidden. He’s near and present. And He’s with us.
“The Lord is near to all who call on him.”
(Psalm 145:18 NIV)
Back then, I stood in awe of where God’s presence was represented. Today, I stand in awe of the truth that His presence lives within me.