OUR DAILY BREAD                    Monday, January 23, 1995
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READ:  Exodus 25:10-22

              THE INTRIGUE OF THE ARK

   "(God) has sealed us and given us the Spirit
                   in our hearts.
               -- 2 Corinthians 1:22

There has always been an element of mystery and
intrigue surrounding the ark of the covenant.
This carefully crafted box was built by the
Israelites to be placed in the tabernacle during
their wandering years in the wilderness.  Inside
it were the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments,
Aaron's staff that had budded, and a golden jar
of manna (Heb. 9:4).  Atop the ark, on what was
called the mercy seat, were two golden cherubim.
The ark was situated inside the Most Holy Place,
where once a year the high priest would stand in
the very presence of God.

We don't know what eventually happened to the ark
and its contents, but it is intriguing to hear
various reports claiming that it could still be
in existence.

As interesting as those unproven reports are,
the real intrigue of the ark is its symbolism of
God's presence.  The people of Israel could
experience God's presence vicariously through
the high priest.    That must have been a heart-
pounding encounter!  Yet we have it better.  When
we accept Jesus Christ as Savior, we have the very
presence of God in our heart -- through the Holy
Spirit (2 Cor. 1:21-22).

Yes, the ark is surrounded by intrigue, but it
doesn't compare with God's presence in our lives.

                       -- J. David Branon

       Almighty, matchless, glorious God,
             Inhabiting eternity,
       I bow to you and give You praise,
        In awe that You can live in me.

                       -- Sper

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          THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
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     To know God's presence is to
           know God's power.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Exodus 25-27

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