During his church’s fall retreat at a nearby camp, Pastor Jeff took a walk with my son, who led him through a wooded trail to the outdoor chapel. Suddenly they came upon the ark of the covenant! Of course, it wasn’t the real ark, but a life-sized, gold-colored replica begun by my husband years ago, with Jeff’s encouragement, and recently completed by my son as a surprise.

Jeff was so thrilled, he hurried to enlist others to help him bring the ark to the camp dining hall. What a sight to see the men carrying the ark down the road as two of the pastor’s little grandsons trailed behind hand-in-hand!

Scripture tells of the joyous occasion when the real ark of the covenant, which symbolized God’s presence with His people, was brought from the house where it had been kept into its proper place in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:12). King David was so overjoyed he danced “before the LORD with all his might” as the people shouted and trumpets sounded (vv. 14-15).

Years later, the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon and Jerusalem was destroyed (2 Kings 25). Scripture doesn’t tell us what happened to the ark. Legends abound, but we no longer need the ark to enjoy God’s presence (John 14:16-17). Through Jesus’ death, resurrection, and sending of the Spirit, God is with all who believe in Christ. That’s an excellent reason to rejoice!