They shall make an ark of acacia wood. Its length shall be two and a half cubits, its width a cubit and a half, and a cubit and a half its height. You shall overlay it with pure gold. You shall overlay it inside and outside, and you shall make a gold molding around it. Exodus 25:10-11 WEB.The Ark of the Covenant was about the size of a small seaman's chest, built from acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold. A cubit in scripture is the length of your forearm, about 18 inches. So the Ark would have measured about 45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches tall.
Stored inside of the Ark was the ten commandments, written on tablets of stone, along with a few other priceless treasures, like Arron's staff that had budded almond blossoms. And a golden pot of the manna the Israelites ate in the wilderness (Hebrews 9:4). The Ark was a sacred treasure chest.
The Ark was made from natural wood that was cut from trees that grew out of the earth. Men are often compared to trees in scripture (Psalms 1:3, 37:35, 92:12, Song 7:7, Jeremiah 17:8, Mark 8:4 ). It was then overlaid in pure gold, which in scripture typifies God's divine nature.
Gold is an element. Unlike other precious stones, it did not derive from anything else. Unlike diamonds which are created from different materials under immense pressure and temperature over time. Gold in its pure form existed from the beginning. And there will be streets of pure gold in heaven (Revelation 21:21).
So when examining the Ark, we find something made of everyday materials, overlaid with something rare, something eternal. The common overlaid with the divine, then filled with precious treasure. Paul wrote that "we have this treasure in earthen vessels" (2 Corinthians 4:7). Meaning the treasure is stored inside of us.
We used to sing a song in church that was, "More of Jesus. Less of Me." While this is a nice religious phrase, and I even like the music, it is not what God actually wants. It would be better written as, "More like Jesus." For God already had the world without you in it. Then He added you to it to make it a better place.
You were no accident, and neither was I. We are here because God chose us to be for such a time as this. If the Lord wanted less of you, He is quite capable of making that happen. Every breath that you take is an assurance that you are still supposed to be here.
What we need is all of us, covered by all of Him and filled with His Holy Spirit. Just as the Ark of the Covenant was made of wood, then covered in pure gold. The natural is covered by the divine, filled with His presence. Filled with His word. The best people that I know are people who were just themselves while walking with Jesus. They never became "religious" but just loved God.
Today, you are God's treasure chest. God wants to cover you with His likeness, put His word inside of you, and fill you with His Holy Spirit. They say that some people bring out the best in you. Jesus will bring out the best in all of us.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for making a place for me. Mold me into who I should be, and help me fulfill my purpose here. Please fill me with Your word and Your Spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!Note: 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.' (Philippians 4:6-7) ~ If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page:
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Amen
Yes, and Amen !
Amen. Heavenly Father, YOU are my most treasured. Thank You for Blessing me. Amen
Thank you Jesus! Thank you for all my amazing blessings from you! I thank you everyday for everything you give me and us! I know that you will help me and have been helping me make the right decisions. God you know my needs and I know you will provide; you always have and will! This is why I leave all my worrying to you Lord! You are merciful always! I will continue to be still and wait on you Lord. Amen!!!
Amen, thank you Jesus for all our blessings.We love and worship you.
Amen Good Morning Everyone
Amen
Amen
Beautifully said, Pastor Dion! Mold me and fill me with Your spirit, Amen.
Amen! thanks for the truth
Amen
Amen fill us with your spirit Father in your son's name Jesus Christ I pray amen
Amen!!
Amen!
Heavenly Father we thank You for all Your blessings that You have provided us in our lives, we give You praises to Your Holy name and ask for Your Holy Spirit to be with us. Mold us as You wants us to be, in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ we pray, Amen. Thank You Lord.
Lord bless our Pastor and Sylvia for all the work they do for us, Amen.
Such an inspired encouragement this morning, Pastor Dion! Thank You, Lord, for making a place for me.
These words really impacted me today. I love the analogies and the message really goes deep! Thanks so much and have a blessed Holy Week
Amen and Amen and Amen !!! I needed to hear this today, especially while wondering why I'm still here, even though I'm so ready to go home !! Dear Pastor Dion, you said that: "We are here because GOD chose us to be for such a time as this" !!! A world in turmoil, seeing so much affliction and pain around us, including our loved ones and friends and neighbors, our brothers and sisters in the faith . . . - but as we look inside of us, being His vessels we have the answer right before us! HE is our strength, shield and fortress and He leads us, directs our steps, and all we have to do is to focus on Him and try to do His will! He has a purpose for all of us, His children, in good times and in bad times! So let's keep on trusting, putting one foot in front of the other following His path laid out for us, with His help! Praise His Holy Name!!!
Yes, amen Lord
Amen!
Stay with me God. In the name of Jesus Amen
Beautifully written, brought tears to my eyes. We are not mistakes, we are works in progress, with the Master Potter molding and teaching us as we submit to His loving guidance. Thank you Pastor (and wife) for continuing to follow His path for you and sharing and helping heal the world.
Amen!