Following the Ark: Faith and Obedience

Following the Ark: Faith and Obedience: 

We often find ourselves wondering, amidst the busyness and challenges of life, “What am I doing here?” Like the Israelites in the wilderness, we can lose sight of our purpose and become discouraged. This message explores the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the “ark” of our salvation, and following Him with unwavering faith and obedience.

Keeping Our Focus

Just as Joshua instructed the priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant to stay ahead of the Israelite congregation (Joshua 3:4), so too must we keep our focus on Christ. The Ark served as a visible reminder of God’s presence and guidance. When the Israelites felt lost or discouraged, they could look to the Ark and remember their purpose: to follow God. Similarly, when we feel overwhelmed or confused, we must look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He is the embodiment of God’s presence, the source of our strength, and the guide for our journey.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)

The Example of Moses

Moses stands as a testament to unwavering faith and obedience. He led millions through the wilderness, trusting in God’s provision and protection. His faith was so strong that he remained healthy and vigorous even at 120 years old (Deuteronomy 34:7). Moses’s example reminds us that when we follow God, we can trust in His power to sustain us, even in the most challenging circumstances. He provided for the Israelites in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:3), and He will provide for us as we follow Him.

“And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.” – Deuteronomy 34:7 (KJV)

The Gifts of Christ

When Jesus ascended on high, He gave gifts to men (Ephesians 4:8). These gifts, including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, are all manifestations of Christ’s ministry, given for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-12). They are meant to equip us for service and to bring us to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). Just as Jesus divided His ministry among these roles, so too are we called to use our gifts to build up the body of Christ.

“But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” – Ephesians 4:7 (KJV)

Walking Barefoot

The command to Moses to remove his shoes before the burning bush (Exodus 3:5) symbolizes the need for reverence and humility in our relationship with God. “Walking barefoot” represents walking carefully, cautiously, and without offense, always remembering whose priests we are. We are called to be merciful and faithful high priests (Hebrews 2:17), showing compassion to those we minister to while remaining faithful to God.

“And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.” – Exodus 3:5 (KJV)

Hearing the Rhema

While the Logos is the written Word of God, the Rhema is the living Word, the specific word spoken by God to us in a particular moment. It is the Rhema that brings life and power (John 6:63). Like Jesus at the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-9), we must learn to discern and obey the Rhema, the specific direction God gives us for our lives.

“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” – John 6:63 (KJV)

Reflection and Review

This passage emphasizes the importance of maintaining our focus on Christ, following His example of perfect obedience, and learning to discern His voice. It reminds us that God is serious about our relationship with Him and that He will test us to refine our faith. Are we willing to walk barefoot, humbly submitting to His will? Are we listening for the Rhema, the living word that He speaks to our hearts?

Call to Action

1. Examine your heart: Are you truly following Jesus, or are you distracted by the things of this world?
2. Cultivate humility: Walk barefoot before God, recognizing His holiness and your dependence on Him.
3. Listen for the Rhema: Seek God’s specific guidance for your life and be obedient to His voice.
4. Use your gifts: Serve the body of Christ with the gifts God has given you.
5. Trust in God’s provision: Rest assured that God will sustain you as you follow Him.