Scripture: “And the priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel passed by…” — Joshua 3:17 (NIV)Devotional
In Joshua 3, the Israelites were on the verge of entering the Promised Land, but the swollen Jordan River stood in their way. God’s instruction was clear: the priests were to carry the ark of the covenant ahead of the people. The ark was more than a sacred object; it was the visible symbol of God’s presence, covenant, and glory among His people (Exodus 25:21–22).
Only when the priests carrying the ark stepped into the river did the waters part, and the people crossed on dry ground. This powerful event reminds us that victory, guidance, and breakthroughs happen when we carry God’s presence into life’s challenges.
The Ark as a Symbol of God’s Presence
In the Old Testament, the ark represented where God’s glory dwelt. It went before Israel in battle, in worship, and during their journey. In the New Testament, we don’t carry a physical ark, but God’s presence dwells in us through the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). As believers, we are now living carriers of His presence, called to represent Him everywhere we go.
Why Carrying the Presence Matters
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It Gives Divine Direction
Israel was told to follow the ark because they had never passed that way before (Joshua 3:4). In the same way, God’s presence leads us through unfamiliar paths (Psalm 32:8). -
It Validates Your Calling
God told Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you…” (Joshua 3:7). The presence of God in your life authenticates your mission and inspires trust in others. -
It Releases God’s Power
The Jordan parted when the priests’ feet touched the water. Carrying God’s presence activates the miraculous when we act in faith (Mark 16:20). -
It Sustains and Protects Others
As the priests stood in the middle of the Jordan with the ark, the entire nation crossed safely. Your walk with God can be a blessing and shelter for those around you (Psalm 91:1).
How to Carry the Presence Daily
- Walk in Holiness – Avoid what grieves the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).
- Stay in the Word – Let God’s truth renew and guide your mind (Colossians 3:16).
- Live Prayerfully – Keep constant communication with God (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
- Be Spirit-Aware – Recognize His presence in every moment.
- Bring His Influence – Let your life reflect God’s love, peace, and wisdom.
Reflection
The priests didn’t keep the ark to themselves — they carried it so the whole nation could move forward. Likewise, the presence of God in you is not just for your benefit, but to impact and transform the lives of those you encounter. Are you living in a way that makes God’s presence visible and tangible to others?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for making me a carrier of Your presence. Help me walk in holiness, live with constant awareness of You, and bring Your peace wherever I go. Let my life be a channel through which others experience Your love and power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Key Verse to Meditate On:
“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” — 1 Corinthians 3:16
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