Solomon had built a new temple, with new decorations, and furnished and ornamented with new precious creations. The only thing that was not new in the temple was the Ark of God, who is the same, yesterday, today and forever.

In ancient times, the people did not fully accept the sovereignty of a king until he had built a palace for himself. Now, the temple of the Lord was complete, and the arrival of the Ark symbolised the public recognition of God as Israel’s Lord and King.

When the Ark was installed, the glory of God filled the temple. It was so powerful that the Priests could not continue their duties – all they could do was worship the most Holy God.

This is how it is in the presence of the Lord. Our duties, our worries, our concerns, our plans and our thoughts fade away and all we can do is worship Him.

Yet so often, we have a tendency to hold on to all of these things and to resist entering fully into what the Lord offers. Centuries after the temple was built, Jesus would gently correct Martha who, busy preparing food and welcoming guests, had become frustrated that her sister, Mary, was not helping but instead was sitting at Jesus’ feet.

“Martha, Martha,” Jesus said to her, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41).

Martha’s problem wasn’t Mary; it was her own distraction. Jesus was right there with her, but she was focusing on everything else. It is so easy to get drawn into becoming busy with many things, even good things, but if these things are distracting us from Jesus, then we need to put them down and come sit at his feet. In his presence, all that is left is worship.

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NEWBOLD COMMUNITY CHURCH