Read: 1 Chronicles 16:37-43; Acts 7:47-48
He left Zadok the priest . . . before the tabernacle of the LORD in the high place that was at Gibeon. (1 Chron. 16:39)
For many Christians, the church sanctuary is where we particularly experience God’s presence and grace. Sunday sanctuary worship can be a sacred time and place. In a similar way, the ark and altar of the Lord, and the temple in Jerusalem are dear to the Chronicler’s heart.
However, the Chronicler also wants to correct some notions that limit God’s presence and grace. The ark of the Lord is a symbol of God’s grace, and the altar is a symbol of the human response to God of faith. Usually they are together, but not always. Here the ark of the Lord is in Jerusalem, but in verse 39 the tabernacle, or the altar of the Lord, is left with the priest Zadok at Gibeon. The Chronicler is writing spiritual fundamentals. It is quite possible for the ark of the Lord to be in Jerusalem while the altar is at Gibeon. The divine grace represented by the ark of the covenant and the human response of offerings at the altar are two distinct things. Grace is not confined by the human response of faith or bound to a sacred place.
Stephen, the first Christian martyr, proclaimed that “the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands” (Acts 7:48). We rejoice that God’s presence and grace is with us not only in Sunday worship, but goes with us in our daily living.
As you pray, be mindful and give thanks for God’s presence and grace where you are today.
About the Author
Kent Fry
Kent Fry is a retired pastor and visiting research fellow at the Van Raalte Institute in Holland Michigan. He and his wife Joyce are active members of Second Reformed Church in Zeeland, Michigan. Kent is an active cyclist, and he and Joyce enjoy time with their children and grandchildren.
